Today’s tip is about safety!
@ghosttownmetalworks reached out to share a recent experience in her studio (and share what she wears while working!) -“I had a little safety scare awhile back - involving my amazing Dura-Bull Double-Wheel buffing/polishing cabinet with a ventilation hood. Even though I was wearing my grippy gloves (purchased at my local Ace Hardware), a small pendant got away from me not once, but twice (!) while being polished. Complete with the horrible "death clang" followed by shooting out at me. (The pendant was fine- yay!) I continued to polish. BOOM! Then the sound of crunching glass. I couldn't move quickly enough... some glass made it out (toward my face!), but luckily most was caught by suction of the uber-efficient ventilation hood. The bulb just above the buffing wheel had partially exploded- likely from getting a bang from the loose-cannon pendant- TWICE.” Thankfully she was wearing safety glasses!! I share this not to scare anyone but to empower you to have the proper clothing and safety equipment: goggles when using your flexshaft, hammering, soldering (flux could bubble and squirt at you) polishing, a work apron protects most of your body and your clothing (sometimes hot things can fall in laps) a respirator or mask to prevent inhalation of harmful fumes and particles, shoes appropriate for working (I wear doc martins) you might drop something heavy or hot and a good boot can help protect. Always keep your hair tied back! I’m sure I missed something here but that’s what I love about this community, I know someone will jump in, in the comments! If you want to hear more about safety let us know!
#metalsmithsociety #metalsmith #jewelryequipment #jewelrymakingsafety
