tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28792482462044773062024-03-13T00:15:01.308-07:00Janet Alexander Jewelry Making Tips & ClassesTips and tutorials for jewelers. Janet writes about her 40+ years of knowledge on making jewelry. Topics include how to use tools, skills in working in metal or metal clay.Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-36159363348820614762016-04-24T11:15:00.000-07:002016-11-23T10:43:36.190-08:00Annealing Wire<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JB5jYPHonE/VxPP_hTBBjI/AAAAAAAACss/iVDjpWx1Of4Wf-vI2D6OluynIeXXwKnxwCLcB/s1600/Wire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JB5jYPHonE/VxPP_hTBBjI/AAAAAAAACss/iVDjpWx1Of4Wf-vI2D6OluynIeXXwKnxwCLcB/s320/Wire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In my last blog I discussed annealing sheet and how annealing metal softens it so its more bendable. Wire anneals the same way. Heat it until its a dull red and then quench in water.<br />
<br />
Flux or a permanent marker can be used to inform you of the metals temperature. Unlike sheet there is no center area to place the flux or mark. With wire, draw marks along the metal with a permanent marker, as shown in the above photo.<br />
<br />
Heat the wire evenly and slowly by holding the torch high away from the metal circling over the wire heating it up. Then lower the torch flame closer to the wire and move very slow and watch the marks fade away as you move the torch.<br />
You will see the wire relax and slump as its annealed.<br />
Be careful not to move too slowly or you risk melting the wire, especially thin wire. <br />
<br /></div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-91910211386767709842016-04-17T10:47:00.001-07:002016-04-17T11:14:57.414-07:00Annealling Silver or Copper Sheet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AcAQEjt91A/VxO_3fY8-PI/AAAAAAAACrw/mX9KfpG7vukp3IrovjbrP5B-RSwEkfARQCLcB/s1600/annealing%2Bwith%2Bflux2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AcAQEjt91A/VxO_3fY8-PI/AAAAAAAACrw/mX9KfpG7vukp3IrovjbrP5B-RSwEkfARQCLcB/s1600/annealing%2Bwith%2Bflux2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Annealing<span class="st" data-hveid="58"> (metallurgy) is the process of heating metal altering the microstructure of a material causing changes in properties. In metalsmiting its used for softening the metal so that it is more pliable, bendable. </span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="58"><br /></span>
<span class="st" data-hveid="58">While opening a soup can, have you ever had the lid of a can not cut all the way off and so you bent the lid back and forth until it broke off? This is the process of "work hardening." T</span><span class="st" data-hveid="58">he processes of hammering, bending, or compressing metal work hardens the metal. Over working the metal causes it to crack or break. The metal must be annealed before it cracks or breaks and then the work process can continue. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="58"> Sometimes silver, copper or brass sheet comes already annealed and other times they are sold not annealed or hardened. If the metal is hardened it must be annealed before working the metal like bending or hammering. Annealing makes bending and sawing metal easier. </span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="58"><br /></span>
<span class="st" data-hveid="58">Once the metal is annealed it stays annealed until its work hardened. So, if you anneal metal and allow it to sit for years, it is still annealed. Time doesn't harden the metal. </span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="58"><br /></span>
<span class="st" data-hveid="58">The process of annealing is heating the metal to a specific temperature either with a torch or in an kiln. With a kiln you can set the temperature but with a torch you must watch the metal until it is a dull red color. The room must be darkened so you can see the metal's color. For beginners its had to see this. There are two easy ways to know when the metal is up to temperature.</span><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="st" data-hveid="58"> Place a dot of Handy Flux in the center of the metal. Heat the metal going from the outside edge to the center area, keeping the flame away from the flux. This heats the metal evenly and as it warms up the flux will dry to a white crusty look and then go clear. When its clear the metal is up to temperature.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL2v3S0VrczEVC2xyR5qass5n5FBCiNqkPa_TYgpZzlDr1S6njnqUK5HV7u_vOWc91WeN37XF0l1lwA54VPSoIPk73A-MmlMdkQMfi12zuQwijf-XIEbtsONup7V7Jhcd4Sop-sOMjhQ/s1600/annealingwithflux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL2v3S0VrczEVC2xyR5qass5n5FBCiNqkPa_TYgpZzlDr1S6njnqUK5HV7u_vOWc91WeN37XF0l1lwA54VPSoIPk73A-MmlMdkQMfi12zuQwijf-XIEbtsONup7V7Jhcd4Sop-sOMjhQ/s1600/annealingwithflux.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="st" data-hveid="58"> </span><span class="st" data-hveid="58"> </span><span class="st" data-hveid="58">Using a permanent marker, draw a dot in the center area of the metal. </span><span class="st" data-hveid="58">Heat the metal going from the outside
edge to the center area, keeping the flame away from the flux. This
heats the metal evenly and as it warms up the black dot fades away leaving a shinny area. At this time the metal is up to temperature. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="st" data-hveid="58"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9O31dMD_j14/VxPJMj7ACOI/AAAAAAAACsc/86fa_i6djTMoeYn3XPQ4JFBgxjML4uzvgCKgB/s1600/annealingmarker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9O31dMD_j14/VxPJMj7ACOI/AAAAAAAACsc/86fa_i6djTMoeYn3XPQ4JFBgxjML4uzvgCKgB/s320/annealingmarker.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span class="st" data-hveid="58">
<b> </b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="st" data-hveid="58"><b>Here are the complete steps:</b></span></div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="st" data-hveid="58">Apply either flux or permanent marker to the metal.</span></li>
<li><span class="st" data-hveid="58">Heat the metal with a torch holding the torch perpendicular to the metal. Don't hold the torch angling it across from the front edge towards the back edge! This doesn't heat the metal evenly. </span></li>
<li><span class="st" data-hveid="58">Slowly move the torch across the metal going from the outside edge circling in towards the center. If you move the torch fast, it doesn't heat the metal evenly. </span></li>
<li><span class="st" data-hveid="58">After the marker or flux fades, pick up the metal with tongs and quench in water. </span></li>
<li><span class="st" data-hveid="58">If needed clean the metal in pickle and then rinse. </span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<span class="st" data-hveid="58">Here is an interesting note, no pun intended. If you drop the work hardened metal onto a table it has a high pitch tone to it. Consequently, the annealed metal has a lower pitch tone! </span></div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-78533250120847427882015-03-20T16:00:00.000-07:002015-07-07T06:56:39.973-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Tips to Know About Jeweler's Sawblades
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpJ2_gbvCYBNMr_7NdiTILX-Fj0-C-pDkmfzWAqDCd5ZXXMr46qBpUvcMVTrfDETJbzJMtzRiFXCqpt9aDOqVWzaZBEDEaIHeUnL_hy3sKr-ByQ-1u9vgHLTk81phOPmpuxTEZW-POKYs/s1600/sawblades.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpJ2_gbvCYBNMr_7NdiTILX-Fj0-C-pDkmfzWAqDCd5ZXXMr46qBpUvcMVTrfDETJbzJMtzRiFXCqpt9aDOqVWzaZBEDEaIHeUnL_hy3sKr-ByQ-1u9vgHLTk81phOPmpuxTEZW-POKYs/s1600/sawblades.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Saw blades are measured in size by numbers that are like the numbers on a
number line. There is no zero size saw blade. Just like the number
line, as the number goes up the size of the blade goes up. As the number
goes down the size of the blade becomes smaller. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTW5hCD177Zb24uYmBe0Ili2QhjxncmcpQbqthyphenhyphenBLmU1y2QoeLK-8MhoXGC2OccVO_rI5xcASDxuWmn_BGsUcupOLQOYQweVfGRD8wEcTIzVWGETUwB2azfetNvbo-9RGFZd437H_lNzVP/s1600/edge+of+metal.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTW5hCD177Zb24uYmBe0Ili2QhjxncmcpQbqthyphenhyphenBLmU1y2QoeLK-8MhoXGC2OccVO_rI5xcASDxuWmn_BGsUcupOLQOYQweVfGRD8wEcTIzVWGETUwB2azfetNvbo-9RGFZd437H_lNzVP/s1600/edge+of+metal.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two saw teeth to the side of metal </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The smaller the blade the thinner it is and the more teeth per inch. The
larger the blade the thicker it is and it has less teeth per inch. The
correct saw blade size should be measured by the amount of teeth to
the side (thickness) of the metal. There should be between<br />
2 -3 teeth to
the side of the metal. <br />
<br />
The jeweler's saw blade attaches to the saw frame with the teeth
pointing down and out away from the handle. The thicker the metal, the
larger the blade needed. The thinner the metal the smaller the blade
needed. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy5Exl00747chIuWML62PfkpjA5__HR9Todj2RHLj2UytSB65jkEEfFBthrJSRqRly915bqiY-q3jDcZw-CjM-7bJktW0TpY2SuLwoKN1_sbUBXTo-FxSqHpF5Qfpc5DejqcKwt3gLAhr/s1600/bent+blade.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy5Exl00747chIuWML62PfkpjA5__HR9Todj2RHLj2UytSB65jkEEfFBthrJSRqRly915bqiY-q3jDcZw-CjM-7bJktW0TpY2SuLwoKN1_sbUBXTo-FxSqHpF5Qfpc5DejqcKwt3gLAhr/s1600/bent+blade.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An annealed saw blade </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
More expensive blades pay for themselves because they don’t break as
easily as less expensive blades. The more expensive blades are annealed
so that they bend more without breaking and they have a rounded back
allowing the blade to turn more easily.<br />
<br />
If the blade is too big, you will have a harder time pulling the saw
blade down through the metal. The metal may even bend from the force. If
the blade is too small, it won’t steer where you want it to go. It
tends to go where ever it wants! Size 05 - 03 are the saw blade sizes
used the most.<br />
<br />
Saw frames come in several widths (throat depths). The depth allows for
sawing deeper into a sheet of metal. For the most part, 3”- 4” is plenty
deep for most sawing needs.</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0Ruidoso, NM, USA33.3317494 -105.6730410999999833.1196254 -105.99576459999997 33.5438734 -105.35031759999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-89519745903328261442014-12-31T12:11:00.000-08:002014-12-31T12:11:05.341-08:00Can Fine Silver Really be Work-hardened?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyp4FhTfJ8D_oTdCCLo8sELqb4WHP24U6KTIvuWRvcdo_q9cY8GRq5mv-cj6OY442sHVbzRBDk0SOt-3KfLMTR3oktfmhwfVSt5VdSIfEdbIC98E3stwavjc228qXIYTWBWxyrI7U0M4s/s1600/fine+silver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyp4FhTfJ8D_oTdCCLo8sELqb4WHP24U6KTIvuWRvcdo_q9cY8GRq5mv-cj6OY442sHVbzRBDk0SOt-3KfLMTR3oktfmhwfVSt5VdSIfEdbIC98E3stwavjc228qXIYTWBWxyrI7U0M4s/s1600/fine+silver.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A question was asked online about how to work-harden fine silver.
Someone had embedded fine silver wire into metal clay earrings and they
wouldn't hold their shape. There was quite a bit of discussion on
work-hardening fine silver.<br />
<br />
I researched the answer and found this information.<br />
<br />
<b>What is a metal's hardness? </b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
metal’s range of
hardness differs depending on its particular mixture due to its arranged
patterns of crystals and concentrations of mass specific to that metal.
Each
metal type has a range of hardness from soft to hard only relative to
that
metal. In other words, each metal type has its own range of soft to full
hard ratings. </span></div>
<br />
<b>How is a metal's hardness measured? </b><br />
There are several tests developed for measuring hardness, Mohs, Vickers,
and Brinell. Through research, I found that Vickers is most often used
for measuring a metal's hardness because it has one of the widest scales
among hardness tests, known as the Vickers Pyramid Number (HV). The
Vickers test observes the metal's ability to resist plastic deformation
from a standard source. <br />
<br />
When comparing relative hardness, Vickers lists fine silver as having
the most softness compared with sterling silver and argentium silver. It
rates fine silver as the softest metal when it is fully hardened when
comparing it to argentium silver and sterling silver. Even at full
hardness fine silver is still softer than soft sterling silver. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuOps3IBTNCn7jifHTQWCThFFzikveCtGoTjV2-QCt6OKs2LrvVSXFzm0nNb7_l-Df9hKzSFwAATg5Q2Tvm-zAfkveIBZy5ypwPL2n9jeK9ylkcqHoM78tBWdne844hQenjisjmYltzA5/s1600/chart2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuOps3IBTNCn7jifHTQWCThFFzikveCtGoTjV2-QCt6OKs2LrvVSXFzm0nNb7_l-Df9hKzSFwAATg5Q2Tvm-zAfkveIBZy5ypwPL2n9jeK9ylkcqHoM78tBWdne844hQenjisjmYltzA5/s1600/chart2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
For earrings, the metal must be work-hardened so that it holds its
original shape and can spring back into its original shape when slightly
bent. Work-hardened fine silver still isn't able to become
work-hardened enough. This is why copper is added to fine silver, making
sterling silver, so that it can be work-hardened until it is
spring-hard.<br />
<br />
So, use sterling silver in your metal clay earrings in order to gain the
needed spring-hard hardness. Make sure you don't fire the sterling
silver higher than 1300˚F (704.44ºC) or the metal becomes brittle.<br />
<br />
There are a few ways to work-harden sterling silver. <br />
<ul>
<li>Hammering the sterling
silver with a rawhide or plastic mallet against an anvil</li>
<li>Twist sterling silver wire (posts) with pliers or compress them with pliers </li>
<li>Heat harden sterling silver in a kiln</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>According to Jörg Fischer-Bühner from Santa Fe Symposium®
Proceedings, 2003. These are the steps for heat hardening sterling
silver.
</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="floatLinline" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 100%;">
<div class="floatLinline" style="width: 100%;">
<b>Step 1:</b>
Check the sterling for any solder joints that may already be present.
</div>
</div>
<div class="floatLinline" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 100%;">
<div class="floatLinline" style="width: 100%;">
<b>Step 2:</b>
Heat the sterling to
1292°F–1346°F (700°C–730°C) for 30–60 minutes; adjusting temperatures if
solder is present (if low-temperature solder is present, heat the piece
only to 1000°F–1200°F). Quench in water.
</div>
</div>
<div class="floatLinline" style="width: 100%;">
<b>Step 3:</b>
Heat the sterling again, this
time to 572°F (300°C), holding at that temperature for 30–60 minutes.
After cooling, Vickers hardness will range between 120–140dph; if lower
temperatures are used, the sterling will not achieve this level.
</div>
</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-57615701353791585382014-09-12T16:00:00.000-07:002014-09-17T16:26:54.325-07:00Testing Your Kiln's Temperature <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2yf3CFI_RxaIETI5nIkWhwNX2GXwr0g3m1lSio2S1cCsrWKRAlWq5ssDYeUYpPTKM7pHeW1ZsXX4m1fsx-w6woxwtXqsoZ7MiVIRgIzEBoCa9oXikEPIqaXxeGcEmfA1e5dmqcFJXPY/s1600/1inch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2yf3CFI_RxaIETI5nIkWhwNX2GXwr0g3m1lSio2S1cCsrWKRAlWq5ssDYeUYpPTKM7pHeW1ZsXX4m1fsx-w6woxwtXqsoZ7MiVIRgIzEBoCa9oXikEPIqaXxeGcEmfA1e5dmqcFJXPY/s1600/1inch.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">by Janet Alexander</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlrZQTmcEbNEaEjpqbnvVVspg7zaqYONIqWtYgZEkP6ZbYAwTruUbsRnro7G-IssayRZqQWEWLNMZyJnJ1zED3cLSjo2n-QxdHFsokVqjwCWmrJb2B0zn0tFAuITtQG7WJg45LyZ9zqen/s1600/Readout.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlrZQTmcEbNEaEjpqbnvVVspg7zaqYONIqWtYgZEkP6ZbYAwTruUbsRnro7G-IssayRZqQWEWLNMZyJnJ1zED3cLSjo2n-QxdHFsokVqjwCWmrJb2B0zn0tFAuITtQG7WJg45LyZ9zqen/s200/Readout.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></a></div>
Now that most kilns have a computerized controller it’s become easier
to control the kiln’s temperature. But, is the controller’s readout
accurate? With so many varieties of bronze, copper, and silver metal
clays, it has become important to know if your kiln’s temperature
reading is correct. Otherwise, you may have problems with the clay not
sintering correctly or getting too hot and melting. Additionally, the
kiln should be tested for hot spots and cooler spots. Every kiln is
different. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Testing can be done by using a pyrometer (which is how I used to adjust
my kiln’s temperature before there were controllers) or by using kiln
pyrometric cones. The pyrometric cones are supposed to bend when heated
to a specific temperature for a certain amount of time. That means that
pyrometric cones give a temperature equivalent; they are not simple
temperature-measuring devices. According to a pyrometric cone
manufacturer, cones have over 20 variables that can affect the cone’s
bending, including the cone's composition, particle size of raw
materials, type of forming process, moisture during forming, density of
the cone, geometry of the cone, setting height, and angle and the
heating rate. Atmosphere also affects bending behavior. Wow, that’s a
lot of variables! So, let’s look at testing with a pyrometer or a kiln
test kit.<br />
<br />
I used the <a href="http://pmcconnection.com/tn902cf-hand-held-digital-pyrometer.html">kiln test kit </a>sold
by the PMC Connection. According to experts, the average kiln
controller is accurate to ±10°F (±5.5°C) so keep this in mind while
testing. Additionally, run the test several times but move the
thermocouple to different areas of your kiln. Place it towards the back,
near the front, off to each side, and etc. Test at different
temperatures. I conducted tests at 1110˚F, 1200˚F, 1290˚F, 1470˚F,
1560˚F, and 1650˚F. I found that both readouts were within a few degrees
of each other until the temperature got up to 1650˚F. Then they were
off by 10˚F! So, I added another thermocouple from my casting kiln. All
three read different degrees but were within the accuracy range.<br />
<br />
Now I know why my PMC3 clay had a crystalline look to it when I fired it
at 1650˚F; it was getting too hot! So, now I lower the temperature of
my kiln by a few degrees when setting it at 1650˚F.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v_9IYb34M1MbFrTtZzcr2w0OJVLPYR9cFKdxXFX1HSYq58af5LG4OjPdQxvKYRkQk2eEPS6SXqRcHdajPOCL6ihGETqoc2JeDO317L-m6yujc0SQTjh851071ihgoYvRqCDj1qpCFz-1/s1600/kiln+test+kit.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v_9IYb34M1MbFrTtZzcr2w0OJVLPYR9cFKdxXFX1HSYq58af5LG4OjPdQxvKYRkQk2eEPS6SXqRcHdajPOCL6ihGETqoc2JeDO317L-m6yujc0SQTjh851071ihgoYvRqCDj1qpCFz-1/s200/kiln+test+kit.jpg" height="200" width="186" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://pmcconnection.com/tn902cf-hand-held-digital-pyrometer.html">The Test Kit</a> Includes:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Sensor reader (tester)</li>
<li>9V Battery </li>
<li>K-type thermocouple TP-02A </li>
<li>K-type thermocouple TP-03 </li>
<li>Case </li>
</ul>
Use the TP-02A thermocouple (larger one) for testing your kiln. It has a temperature measuring range of (-58˚F to 1650˚F).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Steps</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtq6HhwPVcBnH5V7TyCsoa7E1MvKwAJH2tnUht8MGiwCCanCN5He65Joon5BshAVM2_Fb6oE2Py2eC8kv2PbchtgggdB9bAuxt_oeT4jwpsKt1-OqQkGpo71y7QYYTVMDweqC9MUIV-wH/s1600/install+battery.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtq6HhwPVcBnH5V7TyCsoa7E1MvKwAJH2tnUht8MGiwCCanCN5He65Joon5BshAVM2_Fb6oE2Py2eC8kv2PbchtgggdB9bAuxt_oeT4jwpsKt1-OqQkGpo71y7QYYTVMDweqC9MUIV-wH/s200/install+battery.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
1. Install the 9 V battery into the unit’s back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbBhWCc7mdciGx-YBKE1p6B1_J9yC17jggKkYXaI1DQ7SRVM97RCXDvUKqW7s0qBOXtnmajTqACtCPWzZ8kuoxU1Bq2a6WcioGzcz09tDRTxjblo7Zyz2zIWqTXKt56W7jHC83sADQfBC/s1600/match+plug.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbBhWCc7mdciGx-YBKE1p6B1_J9yC17jggKkYXaI1DQ7SRVM97RCXDvUKqW7s0qBOXtnmajTqACtCPWzZ8kuoxU1Bq2a6WcioGzcz09tDRTxjblo7Zyz2zIWqTXKt56W7jHC83sADQfBC/s200/match+plug.jpg" height="200" width="192" /></a></div>
2. Insert the plug into the bottom of the sensor reader making sure the plug’s polarity matches with the sensor’s polarity. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_2iddBh5RkjYnj_A9RFQBOJ7MmeHFyk5jKdZpDUDFWzARkgERRqWL4BU3vxIn1i32sGoi61EGnYGSlqVZhWT2jwaTGobLmwBJ9sJ7jnBMalcfmnXSr6Ne8Yc5LJMfmL-8Wg9LHKXIvki/s1600/insert+into+kiln.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_2iddBh5RkjYnj_A9RFQBOJ7MmeHFyk5jKdZpDUDFWzARkgERRqWL4BU3vxIn1i32sGoi61EGnYGSlqVZhWT2jwaTGobLmwBJ9sJ7jnBMalcfmnXSr6Ne8Yc5LJMfmL-8Wg9LHKXIvki/s200/insert+into+kiln.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a></div>
3. Insert the thermocouple into the kiln.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYIHd_JFQf8YIrXioqpWibPjp-a0cMZLxMeubN6EQVMb_awIB8IPhuaSETg1UsIYBKi7dmeC0Mucbkqt6P2ByinzNY6Xi9ujg5KOMvXpDZGC9Q0mJ-QHn1pYlXobewK4vUSLzw8_UUUyf/s1600/thermalcuple+copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYIHd_JFQf8YIrXioqpWibPjp-a0cMZLxMeubN6EQVMb_awIB8IPhuaSETg1UsIYBKi7dmeC0Mucbkqt6P2ByinzNY6Xi9ujg5KOMvXpDZGC9Q0mJ-QHn1pYlXobewK4vUSLzw8_UUUyf/s200/thermalcuple+copy.jpg" height="200" width="127" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;">Caution: Don’t insert it past larger ceramic end or the wires will burn!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaOsRqjoK01kUMVx2O1jqMXhNWEQATcyNiAFM_T_G-q2cBdf72x3dZtgpShAyFWrtNiozQ8lALX_kfB4aafGovi_LgET_FjQKlk-ZSUrgtH5P8oWgEXYVVq3RqeIkWNk7f99dJKKMOOzg/s1600/inserted+copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaOsRqjoK01kUMVx2O1jqMXhNWEQATcyNiAFM_T_G-q2cBdf72x3dZtgpShAyFWrtNiozQ8lALX_kfB4aafGovi_LgET_FjQKlk-ZSUrgtH5P8oWgEXYVVq3RqeIkWNk7f99dJKKMOOzg/s200/inserted+copy.jpg" height="116" width="200" /></a></div>
4. Place the thermocouple near the kiln’s thermocouple for the first run of testing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJuWYvt9W8BAuzyBD5PLyg481EPrPhxjzX1cfoc32jiJQYgltZ0YhJYjUfpPmpuNGIni5jMI5UjwnaP4pORZ7RTgULiP59I7YG4J-GYvu8LaYMWpG3sPr1BgY_xls9P5vRnQ8L4iZwjWm/s1600/turn+on+test+kit.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJuWYvt9W8BAuzyBD5PLyg481EPrPhxjzX1cfoc32jiJQYgltZ0YhJYjUfpPmpuNGIni5jMI5UjwnaP4pORZ7RTgULiP59I7YG4J-GYvu8LaYMWpG3sPr1BgY_xls9P5vRnQ8L4iZwjWm/s200/turn+on+test+kit.jpg" height="200" width="192" /></a></div>
5. Turn on the kiln and set it to hold at the test temperature for at least 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
The sensor reader can read in Fahrenheit (F) or Centigrade (C). Turn it
on by sliding the button from the center (off position) to the F (if
measuring in Fahrenheit).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTqSlpMHFUJFnIgefuqxcdKQ-FXK9CaSi3mVOa1I2pI-IKULsGU7F37k8RGlf_eqRbuKkVmwin68ArqYGrosE2q34KPAChqy8dekKYJ4gU79RMxktNmz-E27kIQKY_J1_FJGU6SDdvLvv/s1600/kiln+test+1500.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTqSlpMHFUJFnIgefuqxcdKQ-FXK9CaSi3mVOa1I2pI-IKULsGU7F37k8RGlf_eqRbuKkVmwin68ArqYGrosE2q34KPAChqy8dekKYJ4gU79RMxktNmz-E27kIQKY_J1_FJGU6SDdvLvv/s1600/kiln+test+1500.jpg" /></a></div>
6. The sensor displays its reading. Allow it a minute to stabilize to
the temperature. Test at various temperatures. I found that my kiln was
accurate until it reached over 1350 (F). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xaDCVVFpCm83626EW2CMgt2nQ0pl634JVF_U6pruXG35tBf6kV-Lt_uMtdvkIpqKOafvY2EotGYJ0jJwzZr-bC-hB_KDLb0vc6pi3nFACVAiu8spgn5DPW0FGfu6smkaWXRP3wj9JnMt/s1600/turn+off.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xaDCVVFpCm83626EW2CMgt2nQ0pl634JVF_U6pruXG35tBf6kV-Lt_uMtdvkIpqKOafvY2EotGYJ0jJwzZr-bC-hB_KDLb0vc6pi3nFACVAiu8spgn5DPW0FGfu6smkaWXRP3wj9JnMt/s200/turn+off.jpg" height="200" width="192" /></a></div>
7. When finished testing, turn off kiln and sensor reader and allow the thermocouple to cool before touching it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-27779394461537949602014-09-07T12:00:00.000-07:002014-09-07T18:29:50.208-07:00Vibratory Tumblers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
How is the <a href="http://pmcconnection.com/tumbling/raytech-tv-5-vibratory-tumbler.html">Tumble-Vibe</a> different from a rotary tumbler?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPcRkWi3XcffucfWKxPWP7s8TuwQZ9JSp0oGHnQ8_RegMGjcovrebNR9ijIK0ZNWNn3NpA0q7HShKNpI4CJtH_slpdJYs5B4yi459JSeBOL-Cr5b-uPDCgvI6IF5qy4fzfdEOSEb-eaRo/s1600/vibe+tumbler.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPcRkWi3XcffucfWKxPWP7s8TuwQZ9JSp0oGHnQ8_RegMGjcovrebNR9ijIK0ZNWNn3NpA0q7HShKNpI4CJtH_slpdJYs5B4yi459JSeBOL-Cr5b-uPDCgvI6IF5qy4fzfdEOSEb-eaRo/s1600/vibe+tumbler.jpg" /></a>The
basic difference between a vibratory and a rotary tumbler is the way
the unit is driven. A rotary tumbler consists of a barrel that sits on
rollers causing the barrel to spin. Polishing media and the objects to
be polished (jewelry pieces) are placed inside the barrel. As the barrel
spins, the contents fall and slide over each other causing abrasion or
polishing to the jewelry pieces located in the top 1-inch of the sliding
media. Jewelry pieces not located in the top inch are not polished.
Some items can become dented due to the polishing media falling on the
jewelry pieces. It can take hours, days or weeks to bring a piece of
jewelry up to a high shine using this type of unit. The lid on the
barrel can leak or come off during the process. <br />
<br />
A
vibrating tumbler includes a bowl that sits on an out-of- balanced
motor. As the motor moves, it causes the bowl to vibrate in all
directions. The polishing media and jewelry pieces are placed inside the
bowl. The bowl’s vibration causes the objects in the bowl to rotate
around the bowl in two directions rubbing and polishing the jewelry 100%
of the time. The items are polished much faster than a rotary tumbler
and there is no chance of leaks, spillage, or denting of pieces. The
items can be easily retrieved by opening the lid and fishing through the
polishing media.<br />
<br />
A variety of different media, from
cutting, to polishing, can be used in the vibratory tumbler including
ceramic and plastic abrasives, walnut shells, and steel shot, making the
vibrating tumbler more versatile than a rotary tumbler. The ceramic and
plastic abrasives are sold in different grits. Polish is embedded in
the walnut shell with the same polish jewelers use on buffing wheels.
Steel shot, due to its hardness, is used as a burnisher. As it moves
across the jewelry it rubs and burnishes the outer layer of the metal. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<b>General Instructions for the <a href="http://pmcconnection.com/tumbling/raytech-tv-5-vibratory-tumbler.html">Raytech TV-5 Model</a></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The working capacity* of the Tumble-Vibe 5 is approximately .05 cu.
ft. (three pints) or 4 pounds. The capacity includes the media, water
and the work pieces.
</li>
<li>If
the tumbler will be used for polishing as well as for cutting, always
reserve one bowl strictly for the polishing media so it can remain free
from embedded cutting grit.</li>
<li>Successful finishing of most jewelry requires preparing the jewelry.
Parts must be filed, sanded, or ground smooth over rough areas.
Attempting to finish jewelry parts without adequate preparatory
finishing can result in very long finishing cycles and loss of detail in
the jewelry pieces.</li>
<li>All plastic media or ceramic media should be broken-in before using.
Media that is not broken-in may cause scratches. (See separate section,
below, for breaking-in plastic media.)</li>
<li>Keep a 70% media to 30% jewelry ratio. Too many items tumbling at one time can produce a poor finish.</li>
<li>Always use cutting/burnishing soap with the media as required.</li>
<li>If using steel shot, fill the bowl with water so that it just covers
the top of the shot. Never completely fill the bowl with water. Too
much water or soap hampers the media’s action. After tumbling, remove
and dry shot.</li>
<li>If using plastic or ceramic media, add 1 ½ oz. of water and a ½
teaspoon of polishing compound. Note: if the machine does not roll the
media well at the start of a cycle, there is too much water or soap.</li>
<li>Change water if it becomes gray or loses its suds. Rinse the bowl and clean the media. </li>
<li>If the media tumbles too long without replacing the water, the
jewelry pieces will absorb the gray sludge which is very hard to remove.
The manufacturer recommends changing the water every three hours.</li>
<li>When using ceramic media, don’t allow the bowl to run dry. This will cause premature wear on the bowl.</li>
<li>Walnut or other shell media do not require water. Fill the bowl ¼” below the center cone and jewelry items.</li>
<li>On average, dry polishing media is good for polishing up to 200
hours of use. When not in use, store in an air-tight container. See
manufacturer’s instructions.</li>
<li>Do not use media filled with silicon carbide or alumina powders as
this will impinge and impregnated the metal surface and retard
polishing.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: red;">NOTE: THE TV-5 UNIT CAN BE USED WITH UP TO 4 LBS. OF STEEL SHOT/CERAMIC MEDIA AND JEWELRY. </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<b>Breaking-in Plastic/Ceramic Media</b><br />
1. Place media into tumbler bowl.<br />
2. Add water and polishing compound /soap.<br />
3. Tumble without jewelry for one to two hours. <br />
4. Rinse media and bowl. Rinsing the media in a colander works well.</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-11490223777166559252014-09-04T15:04:00.001-07:002014-09-04T15:04:44.872-07:00No More Maring Your Metal While Holding it in a Vise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnp8386pGlGMrNhEPZJm0MCnexgPyhH2Oi9rAzGCXR0KaWBRQTZKBajtBgYsL6-Ov2S5G1q6YDsgU0DnMFR9FiTM0PWIwNDwjJcwOpBLCrR7h5tyOWajOzVKAj5UnaBvLKiYAGd8dJZXk/s1600/vise1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnp8386pGlGMrNhEPZJm0MCnexgPyhH2Oi9rAzGCXR0KaWBRQTZKBajtBgYsL6-Ov2S5G1q6YDsgU0DnMFR9FiTM0PWIwNDwjJcwOpBLCrR7h5tyOWajOzVKAj5UnaBvLKiYAGd8dJZXk/s1600/vise1.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
All jewelry tools are made smooth without teeth so that they don't
mar the finish of your work. But, sometimes it's helpful to have a vise
with gripping teeth to hold various objects.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you buy
a bench vise at a discount store, it's not necessarily made for working
with non-precious metals while making jewelry. You may need to smooth
it in order to hold a piece of soft silver without marring it. So what
do you do?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To solve this problem and have the best of both worlds by covering the jaws of your vise grip with copper sleeves.<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Anneal the copper to make it malleable. </li>
<li>Cut two pieces of copper with the following dimensions: Width (equal
to the width of the jaw) x Length (twice the height of the jaw). </li>
<li>Place one copper piece into the vise closing it tightly. </li>
<li>Using a rawhide mallet, hammer the copper down over the top of the vise. </li>
<li>Repeat the process with the other copper piece. </li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqAonAOsUw8ILnN6_VOKQVZq9LO18bjmdYEAcqkC_NLoKBZ9Qgvq4oqp0sAGMIgRZ8Qhk4c5jn_tmITSp8Q7CLOaG-drMFwFJ7zff1oKkkSz_Pc0BSRwoIEH81ni5xOVH_1-JVcCT1CoV/s1600/vise2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqAonAOsUw8ILnN6_VOKQVZq9LO18bjmdYEAcqkC_NLoKBZ9Qgvq4oqp0sAGMIgRZ8Qhk4c5jn_tmITSp8Q7CLOaG-drMFwFJ7zff1oKkkSz_Pc0BSRwoIEH81ni5xOVH_1-JVcCT1CoV/s1600/vise2.jpg" /></a></div>
Viola! You have a nice smooth surface inside the vise. When you need to use the vise with teeth, remove the copper.</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-71957948161297046522014-08-22T17:26:00.000-07:002014-08-22T17:26:02.576-07:0011 Tips for Creating Bezel Settings for Cabochon Stones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIkeeWBBcrPNStPsm8gDJGlzgfcRGphSczSk0njJBVGA_EW4e-RLR-b7nw2iZT_z0Cmt6PY-yv8BGfrALigCK_7aZX4EOBBMc2VLd1HgKs1poJRj2i34UudYLklDboG10ZTkCVOotmiwa/s1600/stones.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIkeeWBBcrPNStPsm8gDJGlzgfcRGphSczSk0njJBVGA_EW4e-RLR-b7nw2iZT_z0Cmt6PY-yv8BGfrALigCK_7aZX4EOBBMc2VLd1HgKs1poJRj2i34UudYLklDboG10ZTkCVOotmiwa/s1600/stones.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
Cabochon stones have a flat bottom with the sides rising up into a dome
on the stone’s top. They are cut into a convex shape. There is a 90˚
angle where the bottom and the sides meet. The first 1-2 mm up the sides
are at 90˚to the bottom and then the stone starts to curve over forming
the dome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdwgK37shyIJezw_Ey7nL5ilUXzVY1ALmLC0BhBv4pb7Y09ZaND1vE0DicE8M_OaY-a2kbRDYc6mBHgBFqqxzJFUVPDFz16_BdUrZs7Gv8jFYO31M5VOTXZwb_hU8Se-XNATi71Dq8xWY/s1600/drawing.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdwgK37shyIJezw_Ey7nL5ilUXzVY1ALmLC0BhBv4pb7Y09ZaND1vE0DicE8M_OaY-a2kbRDYc6mBHgBFqqxzJFUVPDFz16_BdUrZs7Gv8jFYO31M5VOTXZwb_hU8Se-XNATi71Dq8xWY/s1600/drawing.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The bezel setting holds the stone in place by coming just above the flat
sides and folding over them right where the stone starts to curve into
the dome.<br />
<br />
The bezel is made of thin fine sliver wire. Bezel wire comes in several heights and styles from plain to decorative. </div>
<br />
<br />
When working with metal clay, the bezel wire can be embedded into the
clay before sintering or it can be soldered on top of the metal clay
after sintering.<br />
<br />
<b>Tips for Embedding Bezel Wire Into Unfired Metal Clay</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Make the clay base the bezel is being pressed into at least five cards
thick. If using PMC Sterling silver metal clay, make the base six cards thick,
allowing for the extra shrinkage rate. </li>
<li>Choose the right bezel height. Allow extra height for 1mm of the
bezel to be pressed into the metal clay. If the bezel is too tall, thin
cardboard can be placed in the setting to raise the stone to the proper
height. If cardboard can't be used (due to an opening in the base) then
the bezel wire can be filed down to the proper height. </li>
<li> Fit the bezel so that the stone fits loosely inside of it. This allows for slight deformation while sintering. </li>
<li>Cutting
a hole in the base metal clay inside the center of the bezel helps keep
the clay from warping while sintering. Allow for at least 4mm distance from opening to the bezel wire.</li>
<li>Filling the bezel with casting investment (the same material as ring plugs) helps keep the bezel from deforming during firing.
If you have an opening in the bottom of the bezel, cover it with kiln
paper and then pour the investment into the bezel filling it just below
the bezel's top edge.</li>
<li>Adding decorative syringe or clay work around the outside of the bezel wire helps hold it to the base. </li>
<li>Coating the bottom edge of the bezel wire with oil paste makes the join more secure. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Tips for Soldering a Bezel on Fired Metal Clay </b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The fired metal clay must be burnished in the area where the
soldering takes place in order to close the pours of the porous metal
clay. </li>
<li>Use sterling silver solder either, hard, medium, or soft. </li>
<li>If there is texture in that area, it must be smoothed in order to
obtain a flush soldering join. It's best to smooth the area while the
metal clay is in its dry stage. </li>
<li>The metal clay's shrinkage must be accounted for so that the bezel
fits the sintered metal clay. Create a drawing of your design in the
finished size, including the location and size of the bezel. Scan the
drawing and then print it larger according to the shrinkage percentage
of the clay you are using. Use the enlarged drawing as your template for
making your metal clay piece. It also allows you to know where not to
have texture! Here are the percentages of enlargement for some of the
different metal clays.<br /><ul>
<li>PMC3 and PMC+ shrinkage after firing at 1650F for 2 hours is 15%. Enlarge the drawing on the printer/scanner by 118%.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Art Clay Silver - low fire shrinkage is approximately 9%. Enlarge the drawing on the printer/scanner by 110%. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>PMC Sterling shrinkage is 15 - 20%. It's best to err on the large
side, so plan on the 20% shrinkage rate. Enlarge the drawing on the
printer/scanner by 125%. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-78004472669986930122014-06-27T08:29:00.000-07:002014-06-27T08:37:29.736-07:00A Short Video on Casting in Cuttlebone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV9AUcPDVCHUmUmnKMwF_Tk8FawMeMkLXSnj2ATGAXJfm-V19ExEreclck_zO3zPM1TN_uhz3MYLXxpeZnBe1GQVdknTjsiHTSg2yP8PTCN08ZW9KDh7jTVqmQ7sF-F8m8RQZkztXUjo/s1600/IMG_LR-0130_3x3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV9AUcPDVCHUmUmnKMwF_Tk8FawMeMkLXSnj2ATGAXJfm-V19ExEreclck_zO3zPM1TN_uhz3MYLXxpeZnBe1GQVdknTjsiHTSg2yP8PTCN08ZW9KDh7jTVqmQ7sF-F8m8RQZkztXUjo/s1600/IMG_LR-0130_3x3.jpg" height="200" width="169" /></a></div>
Here is my latest video on how to cast a silver pendant in cuttlebone. If you have ever watched the first Hobit Movie they quickly show the ring being cast. The method they are using is cuttlebone casting.<br />
<br />
This video shows how to prepare, carve a design, and cast sterling silver scrape into cuttlebone. It Shows the setup, how to set a half drilled pearl, and finishing techniques.<br />
<br />
If you have scrap metal or metal clay fired pieces you don't like they can be melted into something new! <br />
<br />
Enjoy! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i1.ytimg.com/vi/ZjrQ8EJ_HEQ/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/ZjrQ8EJ_HEQ?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/ZjrQ8EJ_HEQ?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br /></div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0Alto, NM 88312, USA33.3988189 -105.680108799999977.8767844000000018 -146.98870279999997 58.9208534 -64.371514799999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-68488741319255134152014-06-21T08:36:00.001-07:002014-06-21T10:43:39.225-07:00More Tips on Photographing Jewelry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsKD7-DaknxKw8U6npYX3drFVZSWtyEdSwFoyANBuKGux2V9e0T8zfH5JX7IvXTByZ4Ed6wW5H6mzl6vZKUvLcwD2suhZCtsJ7t07t26Ui_pErI1rWmCoRqxQJl7ND-kYu9xjx7sCgFhL/s1600/setup2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsKD7-DaknxKw8U6npYX3drFVZSWtyEdSwFoyANBuKGux2V9e0T8zfH5JX7IvXTByZ4Ed6wW5H6mzl6vZKUvLcwD2suhZCtsJ7t07t26Ui_pErI1rWmCoRqxQJl7ND-kYu9xjx7sCgFhL/s1600/setup2.jpg" height="184" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
In
my last blog I discussed the basic setup of light, camera, white
balance, and camera stand. What’s next? Sometimes the area around the
table where you are taking photos can be a drain on the lighting or
cause shadows. Here is what can be done to give a more even light on
your jewelry. Use three number-4 USPS boxes taped shut and placed in a
"U" shape on top of the cutting board. Then put a white piece of mat
board against the back box.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fRtwfSW4PPnealUP8w66Xo3Xhg4p9aIsGwJA3_Wlz-KWqdi0o73JW6QrW1TQk_5eehjsTVZN35mduO6EN1q0w1w6u2X1HtCdR1qIsTInItu1FW_P1miAaN4Qsouqht0GFwWV5JCtdJ1r/s1600/combo+box.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fRtwfSW4PPnealUP8w66Xo3Xhg4p9aIsGwJA3_Wlz-KWqdi0o73JW6QrW1TQk_5eehjsTVZN35mduO6EN1q0w1w6u2X1HtCdR1qIsTInItu1FW_P1miAaN4Qsouqht0GFwWV5JCtdJ1r/s1600/combo+box.jpg" height="125" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
By
putting these boxes around three sides, and with them being white, they
reflect the light back to the center area. If you want, cover the blue
label with white paper. The white mat board acts as a backdrop when
taking photos of earrings or anything vertical. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Photo Problem 1</b><br />
The
first problem piece of jewelry is a pendant with a hidden bail. It
won’t lay flat and tends to fall to the left or the right. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaTsE_sGwLzRf5nWZQaTINO5YOZWsL1dwV6fGhBZnCT5UN5uWy2-bKnlZBp3zqsp8c0M96Or1vTJ5UGWHi0fPkewGL64wryXaYeMwJl2eHWAVLXOKUSFzsnxOAKUvri_03EBdvSGVq9X7/s1600/pendant1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaTsE_sGwLzRf5nWZQaTINO5YOZWsL1dwV6fGhBZnCT5UN5uWy2-bKnlZBp3zqsp8c0M96Or1vTJ5UGWHi0fPkewGL64wryXaYeMwJl2eHWAVLXOKUSFzsnxOAKUvri_03EBdvSGVq9X7/s1600/pendant1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My
fix for this problem is a simple foam earplug. No, it’s not used! I cut
it in half and, if needed, take that half and cut into two pieces.
Wedge the two pieces under the pendant. Problem solved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK7OD81WrVEHlIHvTWV91oABUEeMgNEiyqF52TvGEVqQLFuE1bUCi4zdJnfcaFHfYt6spwRXtov9AtIk6bYXKXxRqSGlqyHu2Q5CWBjFyGnyU8flLY1XjEEUu3nCIDDnSXIKU-jcTHjIC/s1600/pendant2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK7OD81WrVEHlIHvTWV91oABUEeMgNEiyqF52TvGEVqQLFuE1bUCi4zdJnfcaFHfYt6spwRXtov9AtIk6bYXKXxRqSGlqyHu2Q5CWBjFyGnyU8flLY1XjEEUu3nCIDDnSXIKU-jcTHjIC/s1600/pendant2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Problem 2</b><br />
I
want to take a photo of a ring standing up, but I don’t want to have it
propped against anything. Glue dots are your friend! Use the extra
strong dots found at Hobby Lobby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWhon8kV55UXsXeHHRJn-FeiX52ndwuz-jKJL5HRqVo5G68gzFkD7xR5081M5yl19N-CWkE2N8E6KDWLVO7EAI1ZuXTdc_OKRIQEIM3akXdkzQq3uuSqFAvi3t9OE8CIWwaVQFLRIxwVS/s1600/Glue+dots.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWhon8kV55UXsXeHHRJn-FeiX52ndwuz-jKJL5HRqVo5G68gzFkD7xR5081M5yl19N-CWkE2N8E6KDWLVO7EAI1ZuXTdc_OKRIQEIM3akXdkzQq3uuSqFAvi3t9OE8CIWwaVQFLRIxwVS/s1600/Glue+dots.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
There
are two sizes, 2mm and larger. I use both depending on what I am trying
to hold. In this case, I want to hold a simple ring on its end. I use a
small dot. If its a heavy ring I use the large one. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph0TGMlG3h_80jLoJm7QHRnGxL_zFIDbK9AwHmXmaa3Dr7l-hi1o4OzUaECz70ONZeHvVfQszpC9qc4oA6E09PYv-WEZYRn3JQ1U-0XrI2i9k1Dnj1RHtynZFJGli8P8i5IFshPm3Te-u/s1600/rings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph0TGMlG3h_80jLoJm7QHRnGxL_zFIDbK9AwHmXmaa3Dr7l-hi1o4OzUaECz70ONZeHvVfQszpC9qc4oA6E09PYv-WEZYRn3JQ1U-0XrI2i9k1Dnj1RHtynZFJGli8P8i5IFshPm3Te-u/s1600/rings.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next time, I’ll discuss some other tips for photographing "trouble" jewelry. </div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-34428748110393464022014-06-03T07:48:00.001-07:002014-06-21T10:44:25.374-07:00Creating a Hollow Pendant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0yHbfsYUccA" width="480"></iframe></div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-16347267483660778442014-05-28T07:43:00.000-07:002014-05-28T07:44:55.911-07:00Lights, Camera, Action! Behind the Scenes - Shooting Quality Photos <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<br />
I was recently asked to submit 15 photos of artwork to a magazine for a
local art tour of professional artists. We have over 25 artists. It
shouldn’t be hard to find 15 quality photos, right? <br />
Wrong! Some were out of focus, others showed junk in the background, or
had their item laying in bright red cloth, and lastly the color was off.
I find this happens more often than not. <br />
<br />
So, in this blog series, I’m sharing some simple tips on creating quality photos of artwork (jewelry in this case).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX8zNWvJ0sE4tEvqtx0NHr8xRugYswyw8gYbFLroiiL-FsKIKUmHPwdPOnmcZJv2ASOWDsJoUB8OV44uboXk5-ky00xi6FEeu5cWThbFWqSzwRdM8ykEW18mTT9e0e4Ej3-YOGCRJJfkT/s1600/setup1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX8zNWvJ0sE4tEvqtx0NHr8xRugYswyw8gYbFLroiiL-FsKIKUmHPwdPOnmcZJv2ASOWDsJoUB8OV44uboXk5-ky00xi6FEeu5cWThbFWqSzwRdM8ykEW18mTT9e0e4Ej3-YOGCRJJfkT/s1600/setup1.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Holding the Camera </b><br />
The camera must have a camera stand. This removes most of the chances of
blurry photos. They don’t cost that much, less than $36. Most cameras
have a screw hole in the bottom that allows for mounting on a stand. I
read somewhere there is now a camera stand for iPhones too.<br />
<br />
<b>The Background</b><br />
When setting up your shot, look in the background. Put jewelry on a
neutral background. Bright colors, like red, blue, or yellow take away
the focus of the main object. Additionally, colorful backgrounds reflect
their color onto jewelry. Look at the reflection on the jewelry to see
what color is showing, especially if it’s silver jewelry. A bright color
makes the silver appear to be that color. For my background I use a
white cutting board or a gray card.<br />
<br />
<b>Set the White Balance</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2Waa7YKEq2DVX0tqBNfRFiDYQr8Hb0ktx-vUgb_L37057gA5U93-p79CCrO_G2X1GxScwgyY6HHoa050NdO-a2CHLhk3vBxbDLPnM3URy0aWoUA4UYN6QP2IALTZRZu5k1Pb0GHNSkFM/s1600/correct.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2Waa7YKEq2DVX0tqBNfRFiDYQr8Hb0ktx-vUgb_L37057gA5U93-p79CCrO_G2X1GxScwgyY6HHoa050NdO-a2CHLhk3vBxbDLPnM3URy0aWoUA4UYN6QP2IALTZRZu5k1Pb0GHNSkFM/s1600/correct.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a>Have
you ever taken a photo that turns out blue or really yellow, but when
you look at the setup it looks fine to your eye? That’s because the
digital camera is picking up light different than your eye. All cameras
have a setting that allows you to set the white balance. This setting is
what changes that same shot to the corrected color. Different lights
cause different colors. For example, fluorescent lighting adds a bluish
cast to photos whereas tungsten (incandescent/bulbs) lights add a
yellowish tinge to photos. Check your camera’s user manual to find the
white balance setting menu. The easiest setting to use is "Auto". The
camera makes a best guess of balancing on a shot by shot basis on the
auto setting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx1sW5MDYi_4YVvIF005ef5hEgn1toNRUesG6IGyAYUNTU9YuVkiuZUpUW5VTQKvlxO0YC_3Yyqy6QkWY9YPukIne4JNAzZYlTOnawF6CGKI3i-E9w9rztihtewSc06hPuzBtCWLrdiij/s1600/lightbulb2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx1sW5MDYi_4YVvIF005ef5hEgn1toNRUesG6IGyAYUNTU9YuVkiuZUpUW5VTQKvlxO0YC_3Yyqy6QkWY9YPukIne4JNAzZYlTOnawF6CGKI3i-E9w9rztihtewSc06hPuzBtCWLrdiij/s1600/lightbulb2.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Lights and Lamps</b><br />
I used to go outside on a cloudy day or find a shady spot to photograph
my silver jewelry. Shade offers natural lighting, but the problem is the
reflecting light. If I have a wall nearby the color reflects off my
jewelry. A quick, easy, and cheap way to obtain natural lighting (I
found out from <a href="http://www.dougbaldwinphoto.com/">Doug Baldwin</a>)
is to use CFL Daylight bulbs in a desk lamp. They can be bought at most
hardware and discount stores. Use a desk lamp with the movable neck.
This allows you to move it closer or further from your jewelry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUZvFpezr2CU9XR7NmOqp0K2gMtllIYI4S28_3xBNr5YWKt2fqn_LycdBNvWjrHKWwQn_lwWtneHn87TjrJEAzppTDw1jRa0N80VNAnAYV08iR6BekcwZm8_zmqsKY-uIjF7taCeA5-BS/s1600/tracing+paper.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUZvFpezr2CU9XR7NmOqp0K2gMtllIYI4S28_3xBNr5YWKt2fqn_LycdBNvWjrHKWwQn_lwWtneHn87TjrJEAzppTDw1jRa0N80VNAnAYV08iR6BekcwZm8_zmqsKY-uIjF7taCeA5-BS/s1600/tracing+paper.jpg" height="111" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Softening the Light</b><br />
A bare light bulb near shiny jewelry reflects a bright shine! The light
must be diffused or scattered. An easy way to do this is to place
tracing paper in front of the bulb (another tip from Doug Baldwin). If
using the CFL bulbs they don’t get as hot as other bulbs, so it’s not as
much as a fire hazard to do this. I lightly tape the tracing paper over
the end of the lampshade. Of course, don’t leave the lights covered
with paper for a very long time. It can cause a fire!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTRULZqbcNPpJOF44gEIMuuwS9pBKhTDwtRIeS6R0Ai-qXGW31vpSL9eKTu_NWjEgdvfTGmncEaP0VvJdBMmGjE7hEwks9vey5MoghO4SaxQPVMNOPXc2AwQJx4dSPhTUoOKoQk92aofM/s1600/setup2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTRULZqbcNPpJOF44gEIMuuwS9pBKhTDwtRIeS6R0Ai-qXGW31vpSL9eKTu_NWjEgdvfTGmncEaP0VvJdBMmGjE7hEwks9vey5MoghO4SaxQPVMNOPXc2AwQJx4dSPhTUoOKoQk92aofM/s1600/setup2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a good start on setting up your shots. Next time I’ll cover the secrets of making the jewelry behave and sit correctly!</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-69130409133700749212014-03-30T16:00:00.000-07:002016-04-17T10:49:16.272-07:00Bench Tips: Filing Wire, and Cutting Wire Lengths<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWciqpUdVOk9pOhrGbZg8tYjkCHaC9Q9JSkrrR7TWXGQ9zuc6m1_R7RSF9YaZBS4EkGYB2us0Osn6zQUQiAN3FM4nA7f0_zQcungZgBpMj5cZgUyFGw-19JW8qRP0n-ImJCpSpQq1R-_k/s1600/saw+pin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWciqpUdVOk9pOhrGbZg8tYjkCHaC9Q9JSkrrR7TWXGQ9zuc6m1_R7RSF9YaZBS4EkGYB2us0Osn6zQUQiAN3FM4nA7f0_zQcungZgBpMj5cZgUyFGw-19JW8qRP0n-ImJCpSpQq1R-_k/s1600/saw+pin1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Many times as we work with metal hammering, texturing, or bending it, it
becomes work-hardened. Some metal is sold in this hardened state. Too
much work-hardening can make the metal crack! Texturing the metal can
not only make it hardened but miss-shaped. It must be annealed or
softened making it bendable. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY-yFDqLYdEf80xSZAyZxSBREKA5UCdLReYefXUPntn0STmoS6HRcGZvnwkBkm3qQfpHoE8JDerdpUWwXjTL1alrc1zrtPhjmuoCBjwavynGibLUtBA5BxqP70redcWLtzQhe7T0iDBk/s1600/filing+wire+in+pliers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY-yFDqLYdEf80xSZAyZxSBREKA5UCdLReYefXUPntn0STmoS6HRcGZvnwkBkm3qQfpHoE8JDerdpUWwXjTL1alrc1zrtPhjmuoCBjwavynGibLUtBA5BxqP70redcWLtzQhe7T0iDBk/s1600/filing+wire+in+pliers.jpg" width="167" /></a></div>
Wire cut with flush cutters still have slightly
pointed ends. Easily file them flat without bending the wire by placing
the wire inside flat-nose pliers with just the tip hanging out the other
side. This holds the wire while filing it flat. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiRJB1mwLTQJ4QRuDgeIGS5kMHRkG0mctVVrkgtTAiw3YIz9KdODsbvDal2pztSrOWL564t7giy_zavjDgygXftuIFKKdg0eKah0waHTDUCFAb4fGMQXLGnAbylwWDycGrjXz9r3-KsU/s1600/cut+wire+on+pin+side1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiRJB1mwLTQJ4QRuDgeIGS5kMHRkG0mctVVrkgtTAiw3YIz9KdODsbvDal2pztSrOWL564t7giy_zavjDgygXftuIFKKdg0eKah0waHTDUCFAb4fGMQXLGnAbylwWDycGrjXz9r3-KsU/s1600/cut+wire+on+pin+side1.jpg" /></a>Additionally,
place the wire into the very point of the “V” shape in the bench pin
with the end pointing upward. This holds the wire so it can be filed
flat. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you’d like to saw the wire instead of cutting it with
pliers, make a channel across the top of the bench pin using a wood saw.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBwGYSUHqDiYk2NGoIzgbZnv2kBOE8gYuCf0hfMPI2Jf91s4RGheXoBjHcCj8m_W12IYuWr3XdPCzsSxOwYOz39N5CX1DDKl1pTGA6_lqbn2cRvObPXFfPsRmyZgZrS-FreAzQUp-6CU/s1600/cut+wire+on+pin+side2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBwGYSUHqDiYk2NGoIzgbZnv2kBOE8gYuCf0hfMPI2Jf91s4RGheXoBjHcCj8m_W12IYuWr3XdPCzsSxOwYOz39N5CX1DDKl1pTGA6_lqbn2cRvObPXFfPsRmyZgZrS-FreAzQUp-6CU/s1600/cut+wire+on+pin+side2.jpg" width="157" /></a>Now place the wire into the channel hanging it out the distance
needed and saw it off against the side of the bench pin. Additionally,
if cutting the same length wire (less than the width of the bench pin),
mark the distance from the edge of the bench pin to the length of the
wire on top of the bench pin. After cutting the wire, slide the next
length out to the correct distance and then cut it.</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-91064496332304609902014-03-23T08:37:00.000-07:002014-03-23T08:43:06.819-07:00Bench Tips Straightening Wire & Picking up Small Stones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjPO68CS52ZBo4h3feXqM2OtJYdtU355zh6a5PfOhwP0cQOFVckMd5eNc6WGGeeh_ERN0ef1NbxYV1toUUy6RR_ItA_dVRc_qJyEWSw0vSRRxBLIpOtXIrt3UKLzt-IMwoCmD7N1_cJA/s1600/straightening+a+wire1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjPO68CS52ZBo4h3feXqM2OtJYdtU355zh6a5PfOhwP0cQOFVckMd5eNc6WGGeeh_ERN0ef1NbxYV1toUUy6RR_ItA_dVRc_qJyEWSw0vSRRxBLIpOtXIrt3UKLzt-IMwoCmD7N1_cJA/s1600/straightening+a+wire1.jpg" /></a></div>
I’d like to pass on some tips I use when working with metal or setting stones. Have you ever had a small piece of wire you wanted to use but it was all bent out of shape? Well here is a tip on how to make it straight again! <br />
Bend it as straight as you can using flat-nose pliers. Place the wire on a smooth anvil or steel block with another anvil or smooth steel block over the wire. Slide the top block back and forth across the bottom one keeping the wire between the blocks. The wire rolls along straightening out as it rolls! Also, this is a great way to work-harden the wire! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvuAqQzltA8LQxfZvM70D1JIMYr0I6oDB0th56nVXcRM6P8IoTbQT_9Sdec6dPiL4etiVuUKznQFYVPjQln4pXm-tK7x1AwEdEYYhb2XZoqSN-3Da7J1XDbcOc63tSeo_cnrFpJWhqCk/s1600/combo+Straighten+wire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvuAqQzltA8LQxfZvM70D1JIMYr0I6oDB0th56nVXcRM6P8IoTbQT_9Sdec6dPiL4etiVuUKznQFYVPjQln4pXm-tK7x1AwEdEYYhb2XZoqSN-3Da7J1XDbcOc63tSeo_cnrFpJWhqCk/s1600/combo+Straighten+wire.jpg" height="104" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqh32c26toSZRN0mLUSwUNuUZ-waCOCvmgDBV5uJQPEsk0aXPKiqzGJ5bYuHwPSYRATuYWBvwnFfV8daEzmL_YSJqwEJiTVu-DUJ1FnaqeTyeG_IwPPv_CbA0NT5IYq2uxLiq4C9sAko/s1600/holding+stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFcU1ERUFfWttc4HSyWk3cBT11xQNr7eOHblmHaU5FxdWk3G-uZyJWH-vLnedwlWZHFEqjni1TUj29LAEpbf0Pcp2BzqtudEMwaJ5Y8pXrLF5Y5OJNPyYqSjxXIpdaSCS_AcK8iBQ8Gw/s1600/holding+stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFcU1ERUFfWttc4HSyWk3cBT11xQNr7eOHblmHaU5FxdWk3G-uZyJWH-vLnedwlWZHFEqjni1TUj29LAEpbf0Pcp2BzqtudEMwaJ5Y8pXrLF5Y5OJNPyYqSjxXIpdaSCS_AcK8iBQ8Gw/s1600/holding+stone.jpg" height="182" width="200" /></a></div>
Have you had a hard time picking up tiny stones while placing them into a setting? Roll some bee’s wax between your fingers into a point. Now use the point to pick up the small stone. To remove the stone from the wax, place it into the setting and roll the tip of the wax away from the stone. To clean the wax off the stone wipe it with a towel after setting it. If you plan to fire the stone in place, the wax burns off cleanly in the kiln.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGeP_MDqQhtYl7I-hy0Watex03UCmDyhVNU-63f3vZrawCf3v1EhdjVkaX1XLHoK9zkSo9nFZl4hcjySO-GucNVrXkbwE7EHaWfvc9dyhK2IQT65ShM9OC4ekzhiTUVgFgylurfkyd78/s1600/sticky+stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGeP_MDqQhtYl7I-hy0Watex03UCmDyhVNU-63f3vZrawCf3v1EhdjVkaX1XLHoK9zkSo9nFZl4hcjySO-GucNVrXkbwE7EHaWfvc9dyhK2IQT65ShM9OC4ekzhiTUVgFgylurfkyd78/s1600/sticky+stick.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found on the model isle </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Additionally, there is a product I found at Hobby Lobby called Pic- n- Stic. It works the same way for holding stones.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkHtdei2jMz0tAp2TiotHCvFSBYlsDHMBcZleX8ZYGTKaZcpjD8WJfFZZ9-Ea96WigzVWuRyvd8pC2NjKEZv8gTI99harC0vN2ApaCP5QcQ8iGAWWDx953d3t8QXx2wKWqhbFtzWayb4/s1600/sticky+stick2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkHtdei2jMz0tAp2TiotHCvFSBYlsDHMBcZleX8ZYGTKaZcpjD8WJfFZZ9-Ea96WigzVWuRyvd8pC2NjKEZv8gTI99harC0vN2ApaCP5QcQ8iGAWWDx953d3t8QXx2wKWqhbFtzWayb4/s1600/sticky+stick2.jpg" height="158" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holds without leaving residue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-29457066993056169742014-03-07T08:11:00.004-08:002014-03-07T08:11:55.217-08:00Fixing a Common Problem with Butane Torches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Problem Torches</b><br />
<br />
Have you ever had a problem with the small butane torch acting like its
empty even though you just filled it? That's because over time
compressed air from the butane can fills the fuel container. The torch
is full of air.<br />
<br />
Easily remove this excess air by unscrewing the valve on the bottom of
the torch allowing the compressed air to escape. Then re-tighten the
screw and re-fill the torch with butane.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2pTeHfhplMqmsg3opUhajh9Bx5ZE602xjg41uwsmKdSYOpxUfiQ5dVkiLLAigm9nREHGv5Tj4_5MyoqN_3UROiKEuNHajUgzUOPsPhMK_FzuebGx8B11_UJIAC0pM4Q5sKbIEnAElX8/s1600/tips.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2pTeHfhplMqmsg3opUhajh9Bx5ZE602xjg41uwsmKdSYOpxUfiQ5dVkiLLAigm9nREHGv5Tj4_5MyoqN_3UROiKEuNHajUgzUOPsPhMK_FzuebGx8B11_UJIAC0pM4Q5sKbIEnAElX8/s1600/tips.png" /></a></div>
Tell me about some problems you are having and I will post the answers in a blog!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GdJmQyIQ049T6NgN4WPfOX4XqLC1v1l-cTNRRp8MYyW4SBJo-Z3C2nYz7aGNDdhtvlzQbzqTWp9mDqWq9p3_5q0n_XI0n5gfRi63cqxXN2RUgMP1Yy5yACHw7SX_5pUw-5KdQ2fIZ9w/s1600/100x100+photo0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GdJmQyIQ049T6NgN4WPfOX4XqLC1v1l-cTNRRp8MYyW4SBJo-Z3C2nYz7aGNDdhtvlzQbzqTWp9mDqWq9p3_5q0n_XI0n5gfRi63cqxXN2RUgMP1Yy5yACHw7SX_5pUw-5KdQ2fIZ9w/s1600/100x100+photo0130.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janet Alexander</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-38370235880630888172014-02-11T16:30:00.000-08:002014-02-11T18:51:55.120-08:00Tips From the Bench - Ring Gauges and Mandrels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TCJJMnF5NzKonMZ94I_XV2_mS-R6QI_l1AwFKDLswUAn6f9sdmftthNJ33v2c4T5RXDaUQvqCz6uK4OnqIeSI5k9vwWchajzxO9xgxNyx5Z2yh1m9145opiWxd_jZ1idNJd0CA52RR74/s1600/title+shot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TCJJMnF5NzKonMZ94I_XV2_mS-R6QI_l1AwFKDLswUAn6f9sdmftthNJ33v2c4T5RXDaUQvqCz6uK4OnqIeSI5k9vwWchajzxO9xgxNyx5Z2yh1m9145opiWxd_jZ1idNJd0CA52RR74/s320/title+shot.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ring gauges and ring mandrels are used in concert to make rings. Ring
gauges are used to measure the size of a person's finger and ring
mandrels are used for manufacturing rings to the required size. In metal
clay, we
wrap the clay around a paper covered mandrel at the required size. In
metal smithing, we wrap the metal around the
mandrel at the correct size.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1_Kl8jY9L6DIQmy9VtI_R2ckkEn1lxEVlBeqdGcstZn74ykso58Ew1o8sb_WpBcwRpMkbeYHoDiYyz5W-8IJ0EMSsvDihnmJFZZ2NZG6Gqs2SHS-XqBobwOncjhIPJR4bkRoh6yzy2_z/s1600/shortMandrel.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1_Kl8jY9L6DIQmy9VtI_R2ckkEn1lxEVlBeqdGcstZn74ykso58Ew1o8sb_WpBcwRpMkbeYHoDiYyz5W-8IJ0EMSsvDihnmJFZZ2NZG6Gqs2SHS-XqBobwOncjhIPJR4bkRoh6yzy2_z/s200/shortMandrel.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a></div>
The typical ring mandrel is a tapered and made of steel with the sizes
engraved on it. In metal clay we also have the stepped mandrels sized in
two sizes, either whole sizes or half sizes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Did you know that not all ring gauges and ring mandrels match? When you
first purchase your ring gauges and a ring mandrel, check to see if they
match and you might be surprised! Check several sizes, because some
might be correct while others are not.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E2v-cve6DAhT5A0vgv_wOD5Uq2wPvGE4qcNgpiQpMnO0JMURDfMACPTKu7ULGtVsuR_00BOweg2mtjFR4qPceehD41HdVIclWN5jGYoypRzdMi2NSOugZhMFi-ERQ39SeT9FsYZB5v_U/s1600/size7Wrong.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E2v-cve6DAhT5A0vgv_wOD5Uq2wPvGE4qcNgpiQpMnO0JMURDfMACPTKu7ULGtVsuR_00BOweg2mtjFR4qPceehD41HdVIclWN5jGYoypRzdMi2NSOugZhMFi-ERQ39SeT9FsYZB5v_U/s200/size7Wrong.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size 7 is on 6 3/4" line</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN5xYQlQqs4aHG2psfmVc2mxhO46vdFIPzj33IodeuKlEHZM0JFvmkLGS5vZ2q6YQr23NCYDzrKeFbN3W79gPhgECBHLVQh6W3r8XVInwuTIYPLsn0U3LB7Km_w21Hr4Y0GNl-L2gEWUI/s1600/size8Correct.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN5xYQlQqs4aHG2psfmVc2mxhO46vdFIPzj33IodeuKlEHZM0JFvmkLGS5vZ2q6YQr23NCYDzrKeFbN3W79gPhgECBHLVQh6W3r8XVInwuTIYPLsn0U3LB7Km_w21Hr4Y0GNl-L2gEWUI/s200/size8Correct.jpg" height="200" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 Fits correctly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This size 7 narrow ring gauge should slide down to the size 7 on the
tapered ring mandrel, so the tapered mandrel is incorrect for this size.<br />
<br />
The photo to the right shows that the size 8 wide band fits correctly on this size 8 short step mandrel. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBt_ca31PdE6nGwHUrZTynuggdVw-5CmH7CD4UU8-HFEx5cggfhkT-jposT2VYI3B4KroH-usxtIidyHS8AIDT6wiGwsIwC55mWJBlWl6n7aH6hgHHypyGvZDhhJca3_hnbXpXOMzAwv33/s1600/size9Wrong.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBt_ca31PdE6nGwHUrZTynuggdVw-5CmH7CD4UU8-HFEx5cggfhkT-jposT2VYI3B4KroH-usxtIidyHS8AIDT6wiGwsIwC55mWJBlWl6n7aH6hgHHypyGvZDhhJca3_hnbXpXOMzAwv33/s200/size9Wrong.jpg" height="200" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size 9 doesn't fit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluPVxYF4CJm6JY81AZqv4-mWiycJmDi1KY-mQCVojabB8xR_WNf5tTlE6ELtVwq97Kt9jWe4xLNSImVvpXf-QW9hpOaotqaDvTuXtggCey7DbzOdzm7few5AU7syrYPXQWgzGMTYWYopG/s1600/size9NarrowWrong.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluPVxYF4CJm6JY81AZqv4-mWiycJmDi1KY-mQCVojabB8xR_WNf5tTlE6ELtVwq97Kt9jWe4xLNSImVvpXf-QW9hpOaotqaDvTuXtggCey7DbzOdzm7few5AU7syrYPXQWgzGMTYWYopG/s200/size9NarrowWrong.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a></div>
But the size 9 wide ring gauge doesn't even fit onto the size 9 mandrel and neither does the narrow size 9 ring gauge.<br />
<br />
(Interestingly the size 8 is on the same mandrel as the size 9!) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What's important to know is what to do if they don't match.</b><br />
<br />
Since I measured the finger with the ring gauge, its important that I
make the ring the size of the ring gauge. With the tapered mandrel, I
slip the ring gauge onto the mandrel and draw lines on both sides of the
ring gauge using a permanent marker. Now I work the ring around the
mandrel between those lines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBjhHqTLFlDTcwjmPqdX67Zaye_DVo1gspUJL5zE2icHnv3TedTzcYBIVGMe1NzM2dg3n1y3GNMUTLg_FeHudZlAZOLVrQWQO8DsZIigJ-JFjiuCpNxQIjqv-Yf3eHA9_fpEBj_etjhx6/s1600/fix5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBjhHqTLFlDTcwjmPqdX67Zaye_DVo1gspUJL5zE2icHnv3TedTzcYBIVGMe1NzM2dg3n1y3GNMUTLg_FeHudZlAZOLVrQWQO8DsZIigJ-JFjiuCpNxQIjqv-Yf3eHA9_fpEBj_etjhx6/s200/fix5.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOqgQxpRv-y4NjPDAQj4-A7hY4Ev3QCoUPj0-BMvNFW6vPu7UXrEOztsgunoB1wI_Bhcfd8sJPzWFJIWFwtP4r1vaisMnygI5aS8CXsxCdIVjMgn0RhNWc6U3U0JdHcT6P27PJNt3pw60/s1600/fix4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOqgQxpRv-y4NjPDAQj4-A7hY4Ev3QCoUPj0-BMvNFW6vPu7UXrEOztsgunoB1wI_Bhcfd8sJPzWFJIWFwtP4r1vaisMnygI5aS8CXsxCdIVjMgn0RhNWc6U3U0JdHcT6P27PJNt3pw60/s200/fix4.jpg" height="200" width="181" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
With the miss-matched short stepped mandrel I wrap wax paper around
either the size 8 or 8 1/2 mandrels until the size 9 ring gauge fits
correctly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkx2XT0ipUErNIe0Sy_gaQaUZZpFtz54jESwShUc_TKivHkFah46CdPXkyXMfIe4A898kz0woEv1juk3ybbXjWDE-FT58P5jEshUvi0Oyg3HGuiZPoawG53rHBYned16ZlB5Xb6vwOt4/s1600/madrel+pic.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkx2XT0ipUErNIe0Sy_gaQaUZZpFtz54jESwShUc_TKivHkFah46CdPXkyXMfIe4A898kz0woEv1juk3ybbXjWDE-FT58P5jEshUvi0Oyg3HGuiZPoawG53rHBYned16ZlB5Xb6vwOt4/s1600/madrel+pic.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope this helps those of you who have had problems with rings not fitting the finger.</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com5Alto, NM 88312, USA33.3988189 -105.680108799999977.8767844000000018 -146.98870279999997 58.9208534 -64.371514799999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-59896515886786910252014-01-18T17:00:00.000-08:002014-02-25T10:25:37.979-08:00Saving $$ by Making your Own Inexpensive Sanding Discs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM22ZY85XipE4_l31_ZTjknsLBjb1RmCm6s3vZ1sg5oWhmk0TD62rme1Cluea2dGLWeGt0-P0AiXPZcfJ93hk4wDFa-d1gy-YLCetGjHXSFL5B2hUCfu11mboI3BOAS4kOYAmzAcQOZl8/s1600/discs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM22ZY85XipE4_l31_ZTjknsLBjb1RmCm6s3vZ1sg5oWhmk0TD62rme1Cluea2dGLWeGt0-P0AiXPZcfJ93hk4wDFa-d1gy-YLCetGjHXSFL5B2hUCfu11mboI3BOAS4kOYAmzAcQOZl8/s1600/discs.png" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This tip is for those of you who like to use a sanding disc with your rotary tool. I don’t know about you, but sanding discs just don’t last long and can become very costly. Here is a way to make your own. <br />
You will need: <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQmVTTZqzEF-FSAQx29cQfeF6JHImQBOhkLUDsRa__Aqj68_Uh1t0L6bcsCRmpNmUaJOXEFicBWKdkZ9-oCyTpBg6XryabDSqW12aAsFPMUABffEoFAh08bYKriA1e7rlzZyBUe0IhnM/s1600/supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQmVTTZqzEF-FSAQx29cQfeF6JHImQBOhkLUDsRa__Aqj68_Uh1t0L6bcsCRmpNmUaJOXEFicBWKdkZ9-oCyTpBg6XryabDSqW12aAsFPMUABffEoFAh08bYKriA1e7rlzZyBUe0IhnM/s1600/supplies.jpg" height="158" width="200" /></a>
<li>Plastic milk jug or a 1 liter plastic jug </li>
<li>small punch or awl </li>
<li>rubber cement or spray adhesive </li>
<li>sandpaper (you choose the grit) </li>
<li>scissors mandrel shank </li>
<li>small screw driver </li>
<li>circle template</li>
<li> fine tipped marker</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
1. Cut a flat section of plastic out of the milk jug.<br />
2. Trace the cut plastic shape onto the back of your sandpaper. <br />
3. Cut out the sandpaper shape.<br />
4. Apply rubber cement or spray adhesive to the back of the sandpaper and to the plastic piece.<br />
5. Allow both to dry.<br />
6. Attach the sandpaper to the plastic by pressing them both together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRlM3aZ4LlR3ENl9fX26j8Zyws-V4Xr_BAHU3w8ph8lJqCy-M7BWdWenyhqb6rOPBt5z6wLU9EoeIrBHzpa3F8d6Brv8arUeluWzb6g8xSrPKXNPSheur73FVkOP5qqESwdRMZk-sZCM/s1600/circles+drawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRlM3aZ4LlR3ENl9fX26j8Zyws-V4Xr_BAHU3w8ph8lJqCy-M7BWdWenyhqb6rOPBt5z6wLU9EoeIrBHzpa3F8d6Brv8arUeluWzb6g8xSrPKXNPSheur73FVkOP5qqESwdRMZk-sZCM/s1600/circles+drawn.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
7. Trace 1” circles onto the plastic try to get them close as possible.<br />
8. Cut circles out with scissors.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
9. Punch a small hole into the center of each circle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dWR9YsoSWRMmolIPk1vQGWPcP0SNlcFH8YboPLi_hmx6iwf7vuq5TwlNPVWqzxIU0YIRQx8oUlXxPZZD5iYfMVnIwm5KJSj1DgYGGXNm67UeUo7QK_EbRle_6EOd0RuGE8WFtk0OIiM/s1600/punch+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dWR9YsoSWRMmolIPk1vQGWPcP0SNlcFH8YboPLi_hmx6iwf7vuq5TwlNPVWqzxIU0YIRQx8oUlXxPZZD5iYfMVnIwm5KJSj1DgYGGXNm67UeUo7QK_EbRle_6EOd0RuGE8WFtk0OIiM/s1600/punch+.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
10. Attach the sanding disc to the mandrel by pressing the mandrel’s screw through the disc’s center hole.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_lsQOFao97MYTRQcZWsFnPwjVUYlTzAOFJqvbVhaMRLQJKN73IICspPjiqSkmlZu0LCw_b8KARDb3ShFirdtzT-sQHMiBsm70bc_doIhD0cARBVoYe4P2zygj9i7LjsMPKombRzwNZA/s1600/push+screw+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_lsQOFao97MYTRQcZWsFnPwjVUYlTzAOFJqvbVhaMRLQJKN73IICspPjiqSkmlZu0LCw_b8KARDb3ShFirdtzT-sQHMiBsm70bc_doIhD0cARBVoYe4P2zygj9i7LjsMPKombRzwNZA/s1600/push+screw+in.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a></div>
<br />
A sanding disc quickly sands flat edges, and is bendable allowing you to sand tight areas. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0NjOf-WM26YtDVCk_29U2iqPWe8v8Tu9py-CVY2KBIWZatDoEMBRrXw9sA5UEz8vqJmmZXrrsM1TGkAHaQAmI-2rXC2rMiCTkrlRsUX1ZcWG9oDHDiB0UsGQuZ8uDhQN8dhYtdZPvoA/s1600/sanding+disc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0NjOf-WM26YtDVCk_29U2iqPWe8v8Tu9py-CVY2KBIWZatDoEMBRrXw9sA5UEz8vqJmmZXrrsM1TGkAHaQAmI-2rXC2rMiCTkrlRsUX1ZcWG9oDHDiB0UsGQuZ8uDhQN8dhYtdZPvoA/s1600/sanding+disc.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a></div>
<br />
Lets hear about your ideas on making a tool to save money! Post your comments here. <br />
<br /></div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-85508078222236060132014-01-10T15:50:00.001-08:002014-01-12T13:12:35.450-08:00Surprising Ideas You Can Come up With in A Pinch! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l19IHSBTfRI/UtCDmhtE7VI/AAAAAAAAB4A/oxlEfhwhZ5U/s1600/0087cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janet Alexander" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l19IHSBTfRI/UtCDmhtE7VI/AAAAAAAAB4A/oxlEfhwhZ5U/s1600/0087cut.jpg" height="200" title="Janet Alexander" width="176" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCr2InvNmonhu8fvJVvKz8HRnYozQivnJ172gRlnS_Ovnd3DhbEkC-Wm2dakxDrpophP3OxoOzfTysd8smPHdQnUKY730LSD4A8hxZebjgYISB_DCAgqFZRlKeYVxVbU5EVi_IrEnJ80/s1600/dome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine silver bead with granulation" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCr2InvNmonhu8fvJVvKz8HRnYozQivnJ172gRlnS_Ovnd3DhbEkC-Wm2dakxDrpophP3OxoOzfTysd8smPHdQnUKY730LSD4A8hxZebjgYISB_DCAgqFZRlKeYVxVbU5EVi_IrEnJ80/s1600/dome.jpg" title="Fine silver bead with granulation" /></a></div>
Have you ever wanted to dome something in metal clay only to find you don’t have the correct size or slope? I've had that happen to me. So, I looked around my studio to find an object I could use that had the correct size and dome. I wanted a small round high dome so I could make this bead. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I decided to make a mold of the ultra sonic lid’s handle. Here is what you can make on the spur of the moment with stuff sitting around your shop. I pulled out these items. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90hP_WR8yReLtomsiq5msm5_L-9hMHBZKhN98Zg3C4mL_dBBQ3TAKT-VQ20DHDgMw0Wsoak3K6UIe2zI9SakmsBS7DbZFkE9-qOs4N797GSOK3J9b-Yo2pPFoTTC8G0fgqPyZbeJv9Y0/s1600/supplies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90hP_WR8yReLtomsiq5msm5_L-9hMHBZKhN98Zg3C4mL_dBBQ3TAKT-VQ20DHDgMw0Wsoak3K6UIe2zI9SakmsBS7DbZFkE9-qOs4N797GSOK3J9b-Yo2pPFoTTC8G0fgqPyZbeJv9Y0/s1600/supplies1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Top to an ultra sonic cleaner 2 ea. Gatorade caps two part silicone mold compound two part epoxy a scale weight popsicle stick tooth picks colorant<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v-BMo4XQjmPbEDfjcutxfXraF4x0jWd5K9ZiSw3RhUesgt9HRdCPBk517CIiuuNms8uPSO5eggekxcSbHNEGFyA0KS9PIGR3gzoyLvS9BAqpedqYZ1qYPSP0BFAXaeJ08KtadUabQ-w/s1600/supplies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v-BMo4XQjmPbEDfjcutxfXraF4x0jWd5K9ZiSw3RhUesgt9HRdCPBk517CIiuuNms8uPSO5eggekxcSbHNEGFyA0KS9PIGR3gzoyLvS9BAqpedqYZ1qYPSP0BFAXaeJ08KtadUabQ-w/s1600/supplies2.jpg" /></a>Mix the two part silicone mold compound in equal parts until they become one color<br />
Press into the cap. This gives the mold a flat surface at its opening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZsRlr3XvKw/UtCEoVFrTwI/AAAAAAAAB4g/ncxxx_SWCQ8/s1600/supplies4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZsRlr3XvKw/UtCEoVFrTwI/AAAAAAAAB4g/ncxxx_SWCQ8/s1600/supplies4.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBUyT4-3_bDHynNwF_s5EuI9kG-hl4o7QlXAMR_p4sBfUlsLhmBMZVS0GbTIjKA_SOKNXAPYuKDe5okFG5nlyNshswMwGelEi5FMKfJpKFEHxxKlTNbF3BRj58nQJypapMMbwx7se_PQ/s1600/supplies5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBUyT4-3_bDHynNwF_s5EuI9kG-hl4o7QlXAMR_p4sBfUlsLhmBMZVS0GbTIjKA_SOKNXAPYuKDe5okFG5nlyNshswMwGelEi5FMKfJpKFEHxxKlTNbF3BRj58nQJypapMMbwx7se_PQ/s1600/supplies5.jpg" /></a>Press the object into mold compound. In my case the lid’s handle. Weight it down so that as the compound sets it doesn’t push the object out. <br />
Allow it to set (per manufactures recommendations). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaX5K1iRA54RwQ54fqxMzkJ19GNKklw2oOfaRRSKkqTJAU4-Fw0byWupsu7J-Orv83uQcA9_O2TutjsU7RzrtfFmqQ5B0OV7gYslNgj_6_v3lqKbX9PXUAvsJRDEarp_ujgUxbSXxFPE/s1600/supplies7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaX5K1iRA54RwQ54fqxMzkJ19GNKklw2oOfaRRSKkqTJAU4-Fw0byWupsu7J-Orv83uQcA9_O2TutjsU7RzrtfFmqQ5B0OV7gYslNgj_6_v3lqKbX9PXUAvsJRDEarp_ujgUxbSXxFPE/s1600/supplies7.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh7FU1OzPmY/UtCFdiY_QiI/AAAAAAAAB5A/AtyKwDWsZ2s/s1600/supplies8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh7FU1OzPmY/UtCFdiY_QiI/AAAAAAAAB5A/AtyKwDWsZ2s/s1600/supplies8.jpg" /></a>Then make a form out of resin in the mold. I added a paper lip around the cap so I can pour extra resin making a footing for my form.<br />
Mix equal parts of two part epoxy, enough to fill the mold. I added colorant to make it easy to spot the form on my cluttered workbench and just to make it fun.<br />
Allow the epoxy to set, per the manufactures recommendation. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbli26Xt0j6KsLlNrZUW-u8qlOSjIrHlJUAm7zsYiJ5Z_ZbgLCzcdUaQSDhBCX8n-WkIrtAo-ReyQ-281xAVlELnCF4yBfUAbcFetQbq36HmDy4QHyQ54TeeWPbYndRadGbFAEFodN1DY/s1600/supplies9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbli26Xt0j6KsLlNrZUW-u8qlOSjIrHlJUAm7zsYiJ5Z_ZbgLCzcdUaQSDhBCX8n-WkIrtAo-ReyQ-281xAVlELnCF4yBfUAbcFetQbq36HmDy4QHyQ54TeeWPbYndRadGbFAEFodN1DY/s1600/supplies9.jpg" /></a>Remove dried epoxy and enjoy your own custom form! <br />
Remember to lubricate the form before laying metal clay over it! Do not place the form on a hot plate to dry the clay, it may burn! </div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-16740498340106439652013-12-18T13:52:00.002-08:002014-01-12T13:13:16.529-08:00Kiln Maintenance For Metal Clay Artists<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0pt;
mso-para-margin-right:0pt;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0pt;
text-align:justify;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-bidi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBv33C2DjEn3keYk2mdlSzdL7vbLxgfk7XKbp0VWMs4ofHJ5fa5RRyj8H31Zb14Rc0onUNeWEPIpBTC6WgkJht48njhN6zaC5ufxOsKUCSATOTQGyjd7jAv69ak2aCBjlfpTrfqJI0-A/s1600/kiln2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBv33C2DjEn3keYk2mdlSzdL7vbLxgfk7XKbp0VWMs4ofHJ5fa5RRyj8H31Zb14Rc0onUNeWEPIpBTC6WgkJht48njhN6zaC5ufxOsKUCSATOTQGyjd7jAv69ak2aCBjlfpTrfqJI0-A/s320/kiln2.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
There are two types of kilns, brick and ceramic muffle. Mine
is a muffle. Muffle kilns heat up faster than the brick type and can easily be
moved from classroom to classroom without damaging the kiln. Its best to not
move the brick type kiln because, movement can cause the bricks to become loose
since they are held together with mortar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2879248246204477306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Ar2N5wPJ4/UrIV88S9VZI/AAAAAAAAB2o/J6YHJ-3jjL8/s1600/cracks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Ar2N5wPJ4/UrIV88S9VZI/AAAAAAAAB2o/J6YHJ-3jjL8/s200/cracks2.jpg" height="200" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over time the muffle can develop cracks. I've been told that
the cracks shown here in my kiln were caused by opening the door while the kiln
is very hot. I'm guilty of this, due to opening the door while enameling. These
types of cracks are not harmful. As long as the muffle isn't breaking apart in
pieces, and the elements are still secure inside the muffle. As the muffle
heats up it expands and the cracks close.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2879248246204477306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_y_XMC1YyARILxSS881OoYpUT_b0h7NWr6yOImE7JJOBCbDC21KCneQaCZ72TeKIHtbDT2MpbTGzOgwIRpcTlSXS9HxZrH-r4lmfxBJlKGxH8rBFyDKDA70ZAnPufFV3d-9M3BeMggZQ/s1600/Thermalcopple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_y_XMC1YyARILxSS881OoYpUT_b0h7NWr6yOImE7JJOBCbDC21KCneQaCZ72TeKIHtbDT2MpbTGzOgwIRpcTlSXS9HxZrH-r4lmfxBJlKGxH8rBFyDKDA70ZAnPufFV3d-9M3BeMggZQ/s200/Thermalcopple.jpg" height="162" width="200" /></a></div>
You should occasionally inspect your kiln by checking the
thermocouple in the back of the kiln making sure it sticks out from the back of
the kiln about 1/2". It can sometimes inadvertently get pushed into the
muffle. The thermocouple measures the kiln's temperature and sends this
information to the kiln's computer. If it is pushed into the muffle it can't
accurately measure the temperature inside the kiln. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMHno8dCYsZi5Z-KwVcjd5PE8Mu78c_vZTt-ul7Utj-oRdmW9m3wp_Zg_hIvO_dETnhi2dP114eh4tu3HSZNJQfey0ea9eJ76fsQh2VBVgRwVPBHdHErPum2vtk7Vnac9g58czpPwOEY/s1600/kiln+tester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMHno8dCYsZi5Z-KwVcjd5PE8Mu78c_vZTt-ul7Utj-oRdmW9m3wp_Zg_hIvO_dETnhi2dP114eh4tu3HSZNJQfey0ea9eJ76fsQh2VBVgRwVPBHdHErPum2vtk7Vnac9g58czpPwOEY/s320/kiln+tester.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
If you are having problems with melting your metal clay
while firing, then you should test the thermocouple for accuracy with a kiln
tester. Here is a link to my instructions on testing the thermocouple: <a href="http://pmccblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/testing-your-kilns-temperature.html" target="_blank">Testing Kiln</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-NWClS9P1Ztbws3xBrZDEdFW7DiBbBicQKtQ77CAJLO52exxp8Ozbqc5HN0cZ0shRdz5P5fs0LtmEhzN-ciKx8U1AjRA8yWxvhnMeropdmxUFzKxutcugEDAe0ZZV8zoILoCZBbCJ08/s1600/doorscrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-NWClS9P1Ztbws3xBrZDEdFW7DiBbBicQKtQ77CAJLO52exxp8Ozbqc5HN0cZ0shRdz5P5fs0LtmEhzN-ciKx8U1AjRA8yWxvhnMeropdmxUFzKxutcugEDAe0ZZV8zoILoCZBbCJ08/s200/doorscrew.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></a></div>
Sometimes the door's latch needs adjusting. The latch should
lightly catch so that it doesn't shake the kiln. The door doesn't need to close
tightly against the front of the kiln. There needs to be some space for the
door's material to expand when it heats. If you work with enamels, you don't
want the door to shake the kiln when closing otherwise you may find your enamel
has fallen off your piece! On my kiln the door latch adjusts by twisting a
screw in or out on the latch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s also good to check the kiln's plug wires making sure
they are not cracked or damaged. If they are seek advice from a kiln
repair company.</div>
</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-75571833992751157782013-11-22T10:42:00.001-08:002014-01-12T13:14:16.712-08:00What is the Reaction of Metal Clay with Aluminum? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0pt;
mso-para-margin-right:0pt;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0pt;
text-align:justify;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2BVSq2xyLVITrCcZ2anb6C8Zll07IAQN9YTDlEn_oQcWDXEL43DyGCQOCUdGT44b5vpRPi3Z78LLElA6X1h3XXUG91VeW-TW-_GvGkGT27S-fI6kaIUJR0AFrMN1DkeCFJQTrzW9lUM/s1600/Foil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2BVSq2xyLVITrCcZ2anb6C8Zll07IAQN9YTDlEn_oQcWDXEL43DyGCQOCUdGT44b5vpRPi3Z78LLElA6X1h3XXUG91VeW-TW-_GvGkGT27S-fI6kaIUJR0AFrMN1DkeCFJQTrzW9lUM/s200/Foil.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Over the years I’ve been
told not to place my moist metal clay on aluminum or there would be a reaction,
so I never have. With that being said, I don’t know what the reaction is!
Inquiring minds want to know now! I tested PMC3 and the new Sterling Silver metal
clay to find out. </div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I placed a sample of each
clay on aluminum foil and also samples on an aluminum pan. I cut out a total of four
oval discs labeling the discs that are laid on top of foil with an F and those
laid on top of the pan with a P. I allowed them to sit there for an hour, until
they were fairly dry. </div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QdwfeA7IFj2naBOxmTNdSunNdUVY5pUfHbk0MAfytRlIhyn3DicMlkpyJI0ut34uICjXSNCbQXLuSYwSqYRxNTfrTZcMZEi__MjlMDWBeL6i5EK4i23vTnfUrwdTQB5YEuqVMk0kFQc/s1600/Pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QdwfeA7IFj2naBOxmTNdSunNdUVY5pUfHbk0MAfytRlIhyn3DicMlkpyJI0ut34uICjXSNCbQXLuSYwSqYRxNTfrTZcMZEi__MjlMDWBeL6i5EK4i23vTnfUrwdTQB5YEuqVMk0kFQc/s200/Pan.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PMC3 & PMC Sterling on pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-XY9Z0q1EMp7Zh-Ctl2x3LAUNVQfeWYU5_0teGu5gVN1EGFfl70B4J2mrxy-tVTnzE-CUfyd9seWkz9V7KbP8wwIqBP8C4S3e3kxJZ4u1PfrHCWTm4WcfmMPOR_bErMnttGg1Az5Olg/s1600/samples+on+foil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-XY9Z0q1EMp7Zh-Ctl2x3LAUNVQfeWYU5_0teGu5gVN1EGFfl70B4J2mrxy-tVTnzE-CUfyd9seWkz9V7KbP8wwIqBP8C4S3e3kxJZ4u1PfrHCWTm4WcfmMPOR_bErMnttGg1Az5Olg/s1600/samples+on+foil.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PMC3 & PMC Sterling on foil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The two samples on the
foil had a huge reaction as did the foil. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3-U6aAlQCl9A_VApz5egPlaLE7mIpykjJ-YxjLNcifnePvg8B0j9kQ-M9usLli3oFw61Xshl2Bv_ndnJW4wtEY9MsysZQflySuAONlrflg3Tpt-GIlGtx_9MnZkFWSkRz7AJRXGWAf4/s1600/Reaction+from+foil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3-U6aAlQCl9A_VApz5egPlaLE7mIpykjJ-YxjLNcifnePvg8B0j9kQ-M9usLli3oFw61Xshl2Bv_ndnJW4wtEY9MsysZQflySuAONlrflg3Tpt-GIlGtx_9MnZkFWSkRz7AJRXGWAf4/s1600/Reaction+from+foil.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaction to foil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_FqL6Q19FCMgYyXbV7oCbwiLT4Krc8wyoM2QkfwlxFB5qlf7kWGuUMQOXhzC0Lc1XYYE169dlQZIPE3PH1BMFnboagMdeLY23c6zErmSrbdYR3CLbHwIIrakfSxUfqn3Oi0UdjLFxJE/s1600/foils+reaction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_FqL6Q19FCMgYyXbV7oCbwiLT4Krc8wyoM2QkfwlxFB5qlf7kWGuUMQOXhzC0Lc1XYYE169dlQZIPE3PH1BMFnboagMdeLY23c6zErmSrbdYR3CLbHwIIrakfSxUfqn3Oi0UdjLFxJE/s1600/foils+reaction.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foil's reaction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The two samples on the
pan had less reaction. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv2JppMMxzgTy1r3vjXlQw7B7q672YZFHvgknnIA1SGUxs-0f_nNNnefBTNP7FVjFduJHNRdlvUnnsnMzRTRI7C6MbLWk5ja6JBl1oqljW-s6C5vzHGf69Qma4N-dQ0rcCVecqFJGGsI/s1600/reaction+on+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv2JppMMxzgTy1r3vjXlQw7B7q672YZFHvgknnIA1SGUxs-0f_nNNnefBTNP7FVjFduJHNRdlvUnnsnMzRTRI7C6MbLWk5ja6JBl1oqljW-s6C5vzHGf69Qma4N-dQ0rcCVecqFJGGsI/s1600/reaction+on+pan.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaction on pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq6B0Vk3iefqvASTgGbSmREoxtw83pZDZH84cKxA54sUe3CGvFeNy4wJiWmXoewXlX1rn29CK-Kmn1KTk_3RqI0GZphEbNDYTeqmPjljpXidgrH1gSZUS83bvBo-edjPSD6vsOyt3_gA/s1600/polished+ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq6B0Vk3iefqvASTgGbSmREoxtw83pZDZH84cKxA54sUe3CGvFeNy4wJiWmXoewXlX1rn29CK-Kmn1KTk_3RqI0GZphEbNDYTeqmPjljpXidgrH1gSZUS83bvBo-edjPSD6vsOyt3_gA/s1600/polished+ss.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fired and polished sterling silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
It looks like the
combination of moisture, clay, and aluminum causes the reaction. The PMC3 clay
on the pan had less moisture and so had little to no reaction whereas, the foil
seemed to trap the moisture between the clay and foil. I fired each sample per
the manufacturer’s directions on the corresponding packages to see if the
reaction area would burn clean. It did not. </div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ79qcRW0h2EtBWxfXQma7GzYvojZMsrZ5r1UBwbuCxqFbymBpbiuVBvGitWlAEuBgyVIaAuEPaC7tjDw65GFrIMSoTanY5rg39eCsMCSKQY9WiWlj_RArPblB5YQ04pv-no_pDRBLK4/s1600/polished+silver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ79qcRW0h2EtBWxfXQma7GzYvojZMsrZ5r1UBwbuCxqFbymBpbiuVBvGitWlAEuBgyVIaAuEPaC7tjDw65GFrIMSoTanY5rg39eCsMCSKQY9WiWlj_RArPblB5YQ04pv-no_pDRBLK4/s200/polished+silver.jpg" height="200" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fired and polished PMC3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
After polishing each
sample, the reaction areas are raised and extend past the surface of the clay.
It gives the clay a look of reticulated metal. So, if you want a cool looking
texture, now you know how to get it. Otherwise, keep the clay away from
aluminum. </div>
</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-24081260817987118112013-10-19T09:03:00.002-07:002014-01-12T13:15:20.448-08:00Part 1 - Testing of Sterling Silver Metal Clay in 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In September 2011 I was given Sterling Silver metal clay by Mitsubishi
to test. I am now going to start posting these tests for you all now
that it isn't confidential information.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Test 1</h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Simple Firing SS Clay in my kiln </li>
<li>Carving the clay </li>
<li>Doming after firing </li>
<li>Will SS Clay accept Aura 22 gold. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0yQHkXjeRtP_AczbY9MiFYU5cpFvq5Pgkcf5aV1nGnTXmqXA1PkumP9qTohOJFDnwbi0_AgYKQdqKAZXaz_umMwMqIsAiOi9gnSSZqEZtD-DR0fXoF498juRyL7q0ZrETTkNGR5WRk0/s1600/test1aa+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0yQHkXjeRtP_AczbY9MiFYU5cpFvq5Pgkcf5aV1nGnTXmqXA1PkumP9qTohOJFDnwbi0_AgYKQdqKAZXaz_umMwMqIsAiOi9gnSSZqEZtD-DR0fXoF498juRyL7q0ZrETTkNGR5WRk0/s200/test1aa+.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Made clay disc 2mm thick, 20mm wide. Imprinted it with a rubber stamp, and then carved into the center area. The clay chipped easily when carving lines close to each other. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlg4u-BVdlFILygP5F7mXdSQyoximBMt6GczhfqO2YS0i6VP65ZUzOFHRMRvZzLYyddXokeFu7aDnB9BQSdAfm3Uu9i15ipKVv6sWxYsgF_0Y-UoXQoHZUTveeCouWZpP6O-iQ5DCOFg/s1600/test1+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlg4u-BVdlFILygP5F7mXdSQyoximBMt6GczhfqO2YS0i6VP65ZUzOFHRMRvZzLYyddXokeFu7aDnB9BQSdAfm3Uu9i15ipKVv6sWxYsgF_0Y-UoXQoHZUTveeCouWZpP6O-iQ5DCOFg/s200/test1+.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a>Fired clay per instructions: <br />
On Kiln shelf for 5 minutes at 840˚ F in Evenheat PMC kiln. Fired it in charcoal at 1500˚f holding it for 30 minutes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sSD5tnbb6GEPpbyzHIyUbh4seoQSI50lrhjXIesOpPpb5aozyh3l3B1SNJ36lblRkjCRvhZNwwCjJP_BgiA5BntoyLlConG67yj27Gb32xZHtOz8nSUPx7a5dYV6D1b4Sa-aUr13zVc/s1600/test1a+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sSD5tnbb6GEPpbyzHIyUbh4seoQSI50lrhjXIesOpPpb5aozyh3l3B1SNJ36lblRkjCRvhZNwwCjJP_BgiA5BntoyLlConG67yj27Gb32xZHtOz8nSUPx7a5dYV6D1b4Sa-aUr13zVc/s1600/test1a+.jpg" /></a></div>
Removed and placed into stainless steel container with provided charcoal. Container sat in kiln 24mm up off the kiln floor. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYRuqQifL4Bt-CrhFf9dpmAzjkSOpqWY172PiPUDXGuMVK1wAXMD1mFWg41uJexv2VFtoCGa1suNOZM3IZ4g9-hUsUsW78p3Efbiohx_Uyn8BUr60QRjKBjoeHzOY-MN-XiaYEdkefR8/s1600/test1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYRuqQifL4Bt-CrhFf9dpmAzjkSOpqWY172PiPUDXGuMVK1wAXMD1mFWg41uJexv2VFtoCGa1suNOZM3IZ4g9-hUsUsW78p3Efbiohx_Uyn8BUr60QRjKBjoeHzOY-MN-XiaYEdkefR8/s200/test1b.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a></div>
Allowed it to cool for a 5 minutes, and then removed pan from oven using gloves. I opened pan, and using copper tongs I quenched the disc in a bowl of water. <br />
Disc sintered perfectly and kept all textures and carving detail. <br />
It shrank from 20mm in diameter to 16 1/2mm diameter. <br />
<br />
I then tested its malleability by doming with a steel dapping block. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There was no cracking. It formed perfectly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJuvcuyd6mvBcXCOpX2dEjEJPJvWic7yhxYC2dz9HbeEdeWLXIpiKdqLdVuyOfPD05oC4xVbI1XAq6GZ4QUmubEhWO_dLSg7jlH8AacKOR6Wj3SKodIMR7o4IgTQeHdcMC6Wn9z2wgYU/s1600/test1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJuvcuyd6mvBcXCOpX2dEjEJPJvWic7yhxYC2dz9HbeEdeWLXIpiKdqLdVuyOfPD05oC4xVbI1XAq6GZ4QUmubEhWO_dLSg7jlH8AacKOR6Wj3SKodIMR7o4IgTQeHdcMC6Wn9z2wgYU/s200/test1c.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTE-4rg-lbm762xhHXf03qIj4iLwZNITL8DikHL_rm5-zezlL1EsuLNsd_wV4zysJ1MMEwHzbqvS-FXDs7PEz9CFLvFPa9TWCWfygQa-YRUaTMuPqy_NGAb47MfH7dwCG42eDTpvDrB8/s1600/test1e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTE-4rg-lbm762xhHXf03qIj4iLwZNITL8DikHL_rm5-zezlL1EsuLNsd_wV4zysJ1MMEwHzbqvS-FXDs7PEz9CFLvFPa9TWCWfygQa-YRUaTMuPqy_NGAb47MfH7dwCG42eDTpvDrB8/s200/test1e.jpg" height="194" width="200" /></a></div>
I then polished it with a 3M red Radial Bristle Disc at 220 Grit.<br />
I wanted to see if it would accept Aura 22 gold. <br />
I painted three coats of PMC3 slip on the flower areas, allowing each coating to dry completely. I then applied 3 coats of Aura 22 gold, allowing each layer to dry completely. <br />
I then torch fired the disc until it was a peach color. Allowed it to air cool. <br />
I then burnished the gold and polished the silver areas with the same 3M disc. <br />
<br />
The gold sticks in some areas and flakes off in others. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next week I will publish another test I completed in this series. </div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-83798612489090215372013-10-07T08:33:00.000-07:002014-01-12T13:17:01.866-08:00Testing Soldering Fired Sterling Siver Metal Clay <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0pt;
mso-para-margin-right:0pt;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0pt;
text-align:justify;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-bidi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In this test I
focused on soldering. I explored the following questions over a series of
tests:</span></div>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Does the porosity of the clay cause
problems with soldering?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do I need to burnish the clay first
before soldering?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How well does hard, medium, and easy
silver solder work with fired clay?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Does pre-melting solder to the piece
change the metal’s malleability? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After soldering, can I form the
metal without the sterling piece coming off or cracking?</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’d like to explain more about question 4, which
relates to the changes of the metal. Melting solder onto the metal actually
causes the solder to alloy with the metal (this is true with any non ferrous
metal). The two metals combine at the molecular level to create a new metal
with a different melting point. So, with this question I wanted to know whether
the malleability of the new alloy differs from the PMC Sterling.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Test 1</span></b></span></h2>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HSLfNUim2Z_DPgfxvcs0gEiTmL_thj1dUluTY8pBdSuxHynVKPDXrLlrjRKnbovx1S7CE1T2H2FM90Ne2PokjQ3e0rTgGwnd8dSOBRCE3cBw-wufRW8MWWDaKCjKdZ23CzfGhmtWOcw/s1600/test+1+strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HSLfNUim2Z_DPgfxvcs0gEiTmL_thj1dUluTY8pBdSuxHynVKPDXrLlrjRKnbovx1S7CE1T2H2FM90Ne2PokjQ3e0rTgGwnd8dSOBRCE3cBw-wufRW8MWWDaKCjKdZ23CzfGhmtWOcw/s1600/test+1+strip.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In my first test, I made a two-tone ring with copper
and metal clay. The center of the ring is made with fired PMC Sterling silver
metal clay and the ring band is made from copper sheet.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjyKstS4lhSw-YhIi5DNzP1OjDOc0AWsrNBAX4Y9JmMUnDCsrfKLlkNcPshTIAdgZMeXg-xX1VUX8rj11wOqQeUBVaMmzAcN7NXIWSXFYnmqtVuAB3z_dmSwkuQdpOfEO5118uHT_FPr_/s1600/test+1+strip.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In my first experiment, I created a strip of
textured clay 4 cards thick and fired it per the manufactures instructions. I
only fired the clay for 30 minutes in the second stage firing at 1500˚F. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS__q0yL4O66zcUdLikoTnrb_ab8MuTumWfxGP0AgMlemgAZAy8zgdKktQTWLRCM3yfridhllW1US0ynuo7_J47bTc2zyXFAS-2AytEJa73o3lMT2b6m7x0KfYP6h8uNBKwl28LLW9UVk/s1600/test+1+spreading+solder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS__q0yL4O66zcUdLikoTnrb_ab8MuTumWfxGP0AgMlemgAZAy8zgdKktQTWLRCM3yfridhllW1US0ynuo7_J47bTc2zyXFAS-2AytEJa73o3lMT2b6m7x0KfYP6h8uNBKwl28LLW9UVk/s1600/test+1+spreading+solder.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dLDDYIXiLOBfuQ3YRoNEhMKiaRkDEjaDQA2AlcgNSAmN-1ZhY2s2hZa3o6jn4yUvbCeowz-AuNNHFPngsWFVvYhsIIrHR4FP62aH3ZXLRIc4DLahnEG8KpOy0P6qiocFo6akFlauhJuS/s1600/test+1+spreading+solder.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I then pre-melted hard silver solder to the back of
the sterling silver piece.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-koR26WJKFnM/UlLSHlcSR8I/AAAAAAAABu0/_9wGo6bK4Zc/s1600/test+1+soldered+onto+copper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-koR26WJKFnM/UlLSHlcSR8I/AAAAAAAABu0/_9wGo6bK4Zc/s1600/test+1+soldered+onto+copper.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwEAKHSuVAUPgoeYgFzqzo8xiepo5DMdbOl9n7l94U1Y5z_1haDlBKu4TEEtvL2qd9eBEa0axcO4HSwPeVIAkLOOhOLxBnlLklgLyUsWmHzc5pRpNekNjsnG0L9MAnez7kJUxDR3vb_Aj/s1600/test+1+soldered+onto+copper.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Afterwards, I sweat soldered* the sterling silver
piece to the copper.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgjFZwG41V1Y0KxLZ-Lg1zBHwq_HrrOG9jIdo-z4DVxjK79XZZ_RkCDA8EotsSmdVrfrclQdo__HJtd9aIn0M6SJy3THzfkIU91CyRWc_a1GnHLSwh0ZrKx6hwunFf_Z1hDYAiT4qksce/s1600/test1+cracked+ring.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Siv_PF2fUqc3eidVAwfVTgDYl5bw4v_Ny_AlyAhzo1GCWI6mbaSB6gY3DMXGx8yIhWBqNMhDBcadqM9LLHmLin7cayUlIWrj74Vld5qbFFGirtwhUIXTKra5uNH55T2vxjuPa-ztapc/s1600/test1+cracked+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Siv_PF2fUqc3eidVAwfVTgDYl5bw4v_Ny_AlyAhzo1GCWI6mbaSB6gY3DMXGx8yIhWBqNMhDBcadqM9LLHmLin7cayUlIWrj74Vld5qbFFGirtwhUIXTKra5uNH55T2vxjuPa-ztapc/s1600/test1+cracked+ring.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span id="goog_475108221"></span><span id="goog_475108222"></span>Once I started bending the copper/sterling silver into
a ring, the sterling silver started cracking.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are my initials answers to my questions:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Does the porosity of the clay
cause problems with soldering? <b><i>No it does not</i>.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do I need to burnish the clay
first before soldering? <b><i>No</i></b>. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How well does hard, medium, and
easy silver solder work with fired clay?<b> </b><i><b>Hard solder worked fine.</b> </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Does pre-melting solder to the
piece change the metal’s malleability? <b><i>It might, I will perform
another test. More on that below.</i></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After soldering, can I form the
metal without the sterling piece coming off or cracking? <b><i>It doesn't come off but too much bend causes it to crack.</i></b> </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After soldering, can I form the
metal without the sterling piece coming off or cracking? <i>In this test,
the metal cracked. More below.</i></span><br />
<div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*Sweat soldering is the process of melting solder to
the back of one piece and then attaching it to another piece by again melting
the solder, thus connecting both pieces together. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With the questions of malleability and bending still
unanswered, I devised two more tests. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Test 2</span></b></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzRuxGDYFehoUKvPNcde8kXC0m7xLv13Nu3UqJQAqZtR9OETOlZGGSKrwJhBQuGb-CBCx_96QwB8FjNdSKh9lrzml4K1DKxlPNh1CGTo67MKaQTGfCOYUYYVhpbjZxWqep700ZFbXgQQ/s1600/test+2+band+w+solder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzRuxGDYFehoUKvPNcde8kXC0m7xLv13Nu3UqJQAqZtR9OETOlZGGSKrwJhBQuGb-CBCx_96QwB8FjNdSKh9lrzml4K1DKxlPNh1CGTo67MKaQTGfCOYUYYVhpbjZxWqep700ZFbXgQQ/s1600/test+2+band+w+solder.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CV6spXytRPGcMSAf-tSkVuDXfj1g0pK5ThRmLOX6nKHpSX7QBdguff7xNLltsftvebDKQfdE3SEkwl6xtzn2M2TbhKS4KseDOVe2xyE8Fult0B_yXQ1LjTXRdGLU89jZ_OrGLgomE9sn/s1600/test+2+band+w+solder.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I created three PMC Sterling Silver metal clay bands
using the same texture but made them <b>6 cards thick</b> and fired them in the
second stage for <b>2 hours</b> at 1500˚F. I created three variations and bent
them into rings with the following results:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Band 1- No soldering/plain PMC
Sterling band bent into a ring without any problems. </span></li>
<li>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Band 2- I melted hard silver solder
onto the band and then bent it into a ring without any problems. </span></li>
<li>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Band 3- I repeated my experiment from Test 1, but wanted to see if
making the band thicker and firing it for a longer time would keep it from
cracking. I annealed the metal after bending it a little and bent it into an
oval ring with few problems. It was only on the final, sharp bend that I
experienced any cracks - just two small cracks that I was able to solder with
medium silver solder. I also soldered the join successfully using medium silver
solder.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Test 3</span></b></span>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGQjUAvqmHyJlNeZel9rW4kQvDbnGenMKj_JRW8YueseDAMbYVM7mHOfPPAW7RrYQXIHJnhDqtqjg2Lq2xfSNCB1hFU2FtIDVJYWAIi3rcAS9ThOpQhFVfj1KmzSY0c0suFvA5J4pyzI/s1600/test+3+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGQjUAvqmHyJlNeZel9rW4kQvDbnGenMKj_JRW8YueseDAMbYVM7mHOfPPAW7RrYQXIHJnhDqtqjg2Lq2xfSNCB1hFU2FtIDVJYWAIi3rcAS9ThOpQhFVfj1KmzSY0c0suFvA5J4pyzI/s1600/test+3+ring.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span>I created a two-tone ring top using PMC Sterling and
copper. I domed it, and then soldered a ring band to it using easy silver
solder. I used the plain PMC Sterling Silver ring band from Test 2 (Band 1).</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The results: Everything soldered fine and the ring top
domed without the sterling silver cracking. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My Conclusions</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All silver solder types, hard, medium, and easy worked
well on the metal with no burnishing required. I'm sure IT silver solder would
work fine also.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Overall the sterling silver metal clay held up
suitably while bending it into a ring band by itself. Doming and rounded
bending of the fired metal clay also worked well. The sharp bending of the
sterling attached to the copper was too much stress for it, but was easily
fixed by making it thicker, firing it for a longer period of time in the
carbon, and by annealing it during the bending process. Additionally, I
soldered small cracks before they worsened. Sometimes even sterling silver
textured wire can crack under these conditions. All in all, the fired sterling
metal clay performed competently. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-31140700058960937742013-09-29T15:56:00.000-07:002014-01-12T13:18:22.780-08:00Sterling Silver Metal Clay Tutorial - Making Slip & Syringe Clay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0pt;
mso-para-margin-right:0pt;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0pt;
text-align:justify;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid black 1.0pt;
mso-border-themecolor:text1;
mso-border-alt:solid black .5pt;
mso-border-themecolor:text1;
mso-padding-alt:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid black;
mso-border-insideh-themecolor:text1;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid black;
mso-border-insidev-themecolor:text1;
mso-para-margin:0pt;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:justify;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-bidi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
With the new sterling silver metal clay, there is a lot to
experiment with, and to push its limits to find out what IS its limit. The
first thing I wanted to do was make some slip and syringe clay. I am used to
working with PMC3 and I like using these two clay forms. Yes, slip can be made
easily by taking a wet brush and painting it on the lump clay, but I don’t want
to spend my time making slip when I need it now. </div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
This is what you’ll need to make your own container of slip.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Small container with a lid</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
6mm round ball of lump sterling silver clay</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
A very small amount of distilled water (start with ½ teaspoon)</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
A clay shaper, flat or round</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 335px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="padding: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; width: 127.8pt;" valign="top" width="170"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiHfEIjzRyElpCXPThlPukOo9a3bc7FRjfXWbh8yAcIvOYfLn4fscNRYGIe_qGSuANd2kgCBqPO9FE_fg4nH_3FX7rHmTAbBMVlhOXWcNte_krpDA6o_ygcEhNcTXHAbyxt8w1G8Y2lY/s1600/paste1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiHfEIjzRyElpCXPThlPukOo9a3bc7FRjfXWbh8yAcIvOYfLn4fscNRYGIe_qGSuANd2kgCBqPO9FE_fg4nH_3FX7rHmTAbBMVlhOXWcNte_krpDA6o_ygcEhNcTXHAbyxt8w1G8Y2lY/s200/paste1.jpg" height="183" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Place the lump clay into the container
pressing it flat inside the container.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; width: 123.6pt;" valign="top" width="165"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhbF-YjOzHk2Yz3PmE9J3vJEUTsa8O_XejmdRuzRHERSl00pP3y5czRf123HIRXyx6qnCotgjBOBP6INS4ncVRmmLBFstNVN4WB530enTbudqbBYH_XBhLhKVggNMIrRX-puXpB7qGBo/s1600/paste2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhbF-YjOzHk2Yz3PmE9J3vJEUTsa8O_XejmdRuzRHERSl00pP3y5czRf123HIRXyx6qnCotgjBOBP6INS4ncVRmmLBFstNVN4WB530enTbudqbBYH_XBhLhKVggNMIrRX-puXpB7qGBo/s200/paste2.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Add a small amount of water. </div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; width: 127.8pt;" valign="top" width="170"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvK76zjv9ylTMS0FC0xRCOyDCPvxtOC-AuyZEkPEwP_VB7rcgs0KzZtVzZjNwrsW6biWHBLJjeEmoRj4KeVfpIxanjsArNa-HJGTUfrIgIxuifaiPxYOYRuSMp7hbE1RoLg4j2pwnKBc/s1600/paste3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvK76zjv9ylTMS0FC0xRCOyDCPvxtOC-AuyZEkPEwP_VB7rcgs0KzZtVzZjNwrsW6biWHBLJjeEmoRj4KeVfpIxanjsArNa-HJGTUfrIgIxuifaiPxYOYRuSMp7hbE1RoLg4j2pwnKBc/s200/paste3.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Mix pressing the clay against the side of
the container until it is diluted to a smooth consistency.<span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; width: 123.6pt;" valign="top" width="165"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW46dTeLf7D9pXuX-K-W9RQcOhhTvVWO4OOL58eH_HNcodf8hcHQl65nmT6x7rEveAoCQN_qEsF6ozQmvjYKuYAM3Oa4QyCJd8UdcSlmkxPRYzu5EsOSWmCV9wTgvd4-ixx-yG8nVbII/s1600/paste4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW46dTeLf7D9pXuX-K-W9RQcOhhTvVWO4OOL58eH_HNcodf8hcHQl65nmT6x7rEveAoCQN_qEsF6ozQmvjYKuYAM3Oa4QyCJd8UdcSlmkxPRYzu5EsOSWmCV9wTgvd4-ixx-yG8nVbII/s200/paste4.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Allow it to sit overnight and it will
become very smooth.<span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Next is making the syringe sterling silver clay.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
You will need: </div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
An empty syringe (used up some from PMC3)</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Snake roller</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Small amount of Sterling Silver Metal Clay</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 351px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="padding: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrNwT628_OuhYEc2JikQpCalIHLYAA2vf87cYFE5uUwkbVgLsautENj_qwoJTtae0iihCqJ1ImaZrzJK0QeESEYBm_tc7YWG8Mp158tNWHJahY-E8SCAKOGn2Div1jYgEZq9VylM1XwA/s1600/syringe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrNwT628_OuhYEc2JikQpCalIHLYAA2vf87cYFE5uUwkbVgLsautENj_qwoJTtae0iihCqJ1ImaZrzJK0QeESEYBm_tc7YWG8Mp158tNWHJahY-E8SCAKOGn2Div1jYgEZq9VylM1XwA/s200/syringe1.jpg" height="183" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 3.45pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -6.0pt;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 3.45pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Using the snake roller, roll the clay into a tube shape
so that it can fit into the syringe.</div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; width: 132.0pt;" valign="top" width="176"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64_jzQzsPCgugl6fIzA-vetcheE_JxktpyXLGqQzOkDmtzvaZKFMpgRlKCQKyiRwOWViGKxriEjUNE9OJJRktQD9yMBITtV02b9fPcz2VrqORZJd7WySMm4jrEgM95FmPIsiaJi0Wdos/s1600/syringe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64_jzQzsPCgugl6fIzA-vetcheE_JxktpyXLGqQzOkDmtzvaZKFMpgRlKCQKyiRwOWViGKxriEjUNE9OJJRktQD9yMBITtV02b9fPcz2VrqORZJd7WySMm4jrEgM95FmPIsiaJi0Wdos/s200/syringe2.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Place the clay into the open end of the
syringe, pressing it down into the tube with the plunger.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb-k9Vod7PNDIR7amzDBo7pLx81lbi2fTs_hJwnKEbrMw4O64VSmv-sFNS4ni_3EoxelwR6LbZ8jO5NgZMpiP11C5los0LAXzFKRDsSoUO-43p4CXwXOrgSOhbqNapHNz25DcNKE5OGg/s1600/syringe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb-k9Vod7PNDIR7amzDBo7pLx81lbi2fTs_hJwnKEbrMw4O64VSmv-sFNS4ni_3EoxelwR6LbZ8jO5NgZMpiP11C5los0LAXzFKRDsSoUO-43p4CXwXOrgSOhbqNapHNz25DcNKE5OGg/s200/syringe3.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 3.45pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -6.0pt;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 3.45pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -6.0pt;">
Keep pressing until all air is out.<span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; width: 132.0pt;" valign="top" width="176"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsxjRf-ti_xiFM80gZM6Vd2zJH5kfO7QiTPBFFoUTRgzWorsJlAmhyphenhyphenymlxJ-AuCiLK82AvVcxhXrEL0MkJ8iJrvhzKM-vmT610jYPJ-tqLE9cD5PzQuGkPWSXitOJXa4bXDMKnsELnRI/s1600/syringe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsxjRf-ti_xiFM80gZM6Vd2zJH5kfO7QiTPBFFoUTRgzWorsJlAmhyphenhyphenymlxJ-AuCiLK82AvVcxhXrEL0MkJ8iJrvhzKM-vmT610jYPJ-tqLE9cD5PzQuGkPWSXitOJXa4bXDMKnsELnRI/s200/syringe4.jpg" height="183" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
Place clean tip on syringe.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQqlBV50y_nOf3_aY69VckB7Ng2tTcDcwdu_fdzbGZArzF2oWzi_8oNLQ_KILbNX8RxuEuQ7gyS0yHhCKk7VGOoZgKShxKbig2EzdnWFr0BQf04sUS5lxgQw2sVWIvoO6NWnfBzEfd6Q/s1600/syringe+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQqlBV50y_nOf3_aY69VckB7Ng2tTcDcwdu_fdzbGZArzF2oWzi_8oNLQ_KILbNX8RxuEuQ7gyS0yHhCKk7VGOoZgKShxKbig2EzdnWFr0BQf04sUS5lxgQw2sVWIvoO6NWnfBzEfd6Q/s1600/syringe+storage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left;">
While I am working with the clay, I keep my syringe sitting in
a small container with a sponge and water. This keeps the tip from drying. I
also store my brush there too, keeping it moist. </div>
</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-85987372054063865962013-09-17T16:43:00.001-07:002014-01-12T13:19:42.507-08:00Recap of My Sterling Silver Metal Clay Testing Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJufo-Iez2vntbuNrMEQNmBw2iowbn34OIPw4YnAHBr4yjrvCXnxyr7mKHn7rtnZRjtmCgGDQDwi71-U6KvO0O2GPbUSHt4Q-8uOtRS8DW1hnNxjhQ0QQWsd3VJ8lP8RCDPhOHAwPGptg/s1600/IMG_LR-0107org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJufo-Iez2vntbuNrMEQNmBw2iowbn34OIPw4YnAHBr4yjrvCXnxyr7mKHn7rtnZRjtmCgGDQDwi71-U6KvO0O2GPbUSHt4Q-8uOtRS8DW1hnNxjhQ0QQWsd3VJ8lP8RCDPhOHAwPGptg/s200/IMG_LR-0107org.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
I spent a year testing the PMC Sterling Silver metal clay and wanted to post the results on my own blog. So, here is the very first post. <br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNdjt0pbH1fy03hVZYizNTLXNpxxRPV3WC5AHsh4GtYlm4sBa7rgRRswjkN6rXxWYMLOZs2LtKoMfhyphenhyphenXp1yVepEWdZ7b6f3rWBj7O1CCU0_4fS9hFiXhF57Pmx-fLCRQQwqU85lIjnxxh/s1600/test+samples.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNdjt0pbH1fy03hVZYizNTLXNpxxRPV3WC5AHsh4GtYlm4sBa7rgRRswjkN6rXxWYMLOZs2LtKoMfhyphenhyphenXp1yVepEWdZ7b6f3rWBj7O1CCU0_4fS9hFiXhF57Pmx-fLCRQQwqU85lIjnxxh/s200/test+samples.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a></div>
Questions, questions, questions! It seems the more I ask questions and get answers, the more questions I have!<br />
In
the next six months I will be testing different aspects of the new PMC
Sterling Silver metal clay. This is the first post. I want to explore
various methods for firing this clay. There has been a lot of buzz about
speeding up firing time, mostly because of classroom constraints. When
it takes over 1 1/2 hour to fire the sterling silver clay, it makes it
hard to have an afternoon class about this new clay.<br />
<br />
Let's start
with the recommended firing profile. When and where you have time, this
is the way to go. According to Mitsubishi, the recommended firing
schedule for PMC Sterling Silver is a two step process. Fire the dry
clay in open air on a kiln shelf for 30 minutes at 1000˚F (538˚C) for at
least 30 minutes, longer for thick pieces. The second step (after
cooling the clay) is to transfer it to a stainless steel container,
surround it with ½” of activated carbon (at least ¼” apart) and fire it
again at 1500˚F (815C˚) for at least 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
I fired some
base-line test pieces using the recommended procedure. Phase-1 took 43
minutes. This includes the time for the kiln to heat up to temperature
and the 30 minutes of soak time at 1000˚F (538˚C). Phase-2 lasted
approximately 51 minutes (not including cool-down time). All my tests
using the recommended firing procedure came out perfectly! I was able to
dome a disc and bend a link without either of them breaking. With that
said if you are working on a special piece and want to make sure it
fires properly, use Mitsubishi’s recommended procedure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kFHHrXxVGfqKNueI_vZQWg9Ert2kHcK11OR7mqFU9rKJsM77CD1lIOfZvH710IXxKLbMKMty55Pad2UC7vUlu8pCOkFEyGR1StYn1lZdJ8lHsMgVYCnRVCWslVRN6ZecBAluQ3JxZdPM/s1600/first+bunch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kFHHrXxVGfqKNueI_vZQWg9Ert2kHcK11OR7mqFU9rKJsM77CD1lIOfZvH710IXxKLbMKMty55Pad2UC7vUlu8pCOkFEyGR1StYn1lZdJ8lHsMgVYCnRVCWslVRN6ZecBAluQ3JxZdPM/s320/first+bunch.jpg" height="148" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With
my testing, I wanted to find a quicker way of sintering the sterling
silver clay. In my first set of tests, I used a 50g package of PMC
Sterling Silver metal clay and created five identical oval pieces with
their centers cut out (35mm x 20mm and 4 cards thick). I only changed
the process for Phase-1 and tried a variety of methods, shown below. All
pieces were fired together in Phase-2 using the recommended procedure.
This is what I found.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaMotMQWwXczDwu2Y-6XUlVxK2HKlS6YadYOz1_OrkmEKKOQWyjrGKyBstO3RR9MCeRHKxRJkI9niieUmYO5HJtJjQ8DFt74G-KFXe_YsJLs_UWg5ugjNaw_3oK0RdoeoMFqyvB7b-OLp/s1600/Test1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaMotMQWwXczDwu2Y-6XUlVxK2HKlS6YadYOz1_OrkmEKKOQWyjrGKyBstO3RR9MCeRHKxRJkI9niieUmYO5HJtJjQ8DFt74G-KFXe_YsJLs_UWg5ugjNaw_3oK0RdoeoMFqyvB7b-OLp/s200/Test1.jpg" height="200" width="172" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Test 1- Light the clay on fire</span><br />
In
my personal blog, a reader commented that she used a torch for phase-1
(thanks PPennee), so I tried her technique. I lit the clay on fire with a
torch and then pulled it way allowing the clay to burn. If it went out,
I re-lit it until it no longer smoked when heated. It’s interesting;
while holding the torch on the clay there is no smoke. Only after I
remove the torch does the clay burn with a flame and smoke.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Specs</b><br />
Weight after complete firing (both phases): 1.6dwt<br />
Measurements after complete firing: 30mm x 18mm<br />
Phase-1 time: 1.5 minutes<br />
Sintered: Yes – bent nearly in half.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroilm7-YpwG9zugy7B-7Kq3xUdszXr18X_Lp_beQ0PcNrHxHBCWf0ikkerCNfxEOgWlzbotV1j1sMPvYiaRnSD6pYhE0DZ74tnm9jQ6Jo7X8sIXiH_DhlW_9bOoylPy7YkLyV0fblqZ_U/s1600/test2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroilm7-YpwG9zugy7B-7Kq3xUdszXr18X_Lp_beQ0PcNrHxHBCWf0ikkerCNfxEOgWlzbotV1j1sMPvYiaRnSD6pYhE0DZ74tnm9jQ6Jo7X8sIXiH_DhlW_9bOoylPy7YkLyV0fblqZ_U/s200/test2.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Test 2- Hadar’s Method</span><br />
Hadar
Jacobson, who tests and makes base metal clays, designed a faster
phase-1 for her clays. She uses a camping stove and a stainless steel
bowl with activated carbon in it. She places the unfired dry clay on top
of the activated carbon and then covers the bowl with a fiber kiln
shelf that has a hole in its center. She fires it until there is no more
smoke coming out of the bowl and then places it in the kiln for the
second phase firing. In this instance, I used her phase-1 technique and
then Mitsubishi’s phase-2 technique.<br />
<br />
<b>The Specs</b><br />
Weight after complete firing (both phases): 1.65dwt<br />
Measurements after complete firing: 29mm x 19mm<br />
Phase-1 time: 10 minutes<br />
Sintered: Yes – bent nearly in half.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVKcrZpLvlAmWgGyBy4vmHpvZ0Fdev4quQKf6s8IJtd5qPvzDRtFFSrzjNLk1U0tf8mRux4jRbW3pmCDAH-ON7joXPVN17HDJPb0TZ7J1EuavhnOopRNCYdc40AvB5I_629U1E_aZqyPn/s1600/test3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVKcrZpLvlAmWgGyBy4vmHpvZ0Fdev4quQKf6s8IJtd5qPvzDRtFFSrzjNLk1U0tf8mRux4jRbW3pmCDAH-ON7joXPVN17HDJPb0TZ7J1EuavhnOopRNCYdc40AvB5I_629U1E_aZqyPn/s200/test3.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Test 3 – Mitsubishi’s Procedure</span><br />
<br />
The recommended procedure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br />The Specs</b><br />
Weight after complete firing (both phases): 1.70dwt<br />
Measurements after complete firing: 29mm x 20mm<br />
Phase-1 time: 40 minutes<br />
Sintered: Yes – bent nearly in half.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio82NQlbxrntrsN4QWCnpSvDY8HqXtiT9Uv3zCfBb_cXhdKbXmanDxk5q-Di_nt76fThYVxyi-2eRITewgY8R20pIsTpDBkZIcN-C6ZH5ZENK3QAgFyVI-TeUyzP32areYxpgB2PTk6KGe/s1600/test4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio82NQlbxrntrsN4QWCnpSvDY8HqXtiT9Uv3zCfBb_cXhdKbXmanDxk5q-Di_nt76fThYVxyi-2eRITewgY8R20pIsTpDBkZIcN-C6ZH5ZENK3QAgFyVI-TeUyzP32areYxpgB2PTk6KGe/s200/test4.jpg" height="192" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Test 4 – Torch for 3 minutes</span><br />
I
heated the piece with a torch for 3 minutes. I heated it to a very dull
red, like when annealing metal on a fire brick, allowed it to cool, and
then completed the second phase.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /><br />The Specs</b><br />
Weight after complete firing (both phases): 1.85dwt<br />
Measurements after complete firing: 30mm x 19mm<br />
Phase-1 time: 3 minutes<br />
Sintered: Yes – bent part-way but broke sooner than the others.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">More Questions</span><br />
I had more questions after completing these tests. I made four discs 18 mm in diameter and 4 four cards thick.<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Does the clay shrink any more with longer firing?<br />I
fired disc #2 per Mitsubishi's instructions for 30 minutes. I then
fired disc#3 per Mitsubishi's instructions for 2 hours in phase-2.<br /><b>Answer</b>: both discs were the same size. They both measured 15.5mm after firing.</li>
<li>Is the torch fired (in phase-1) clay less strong than the recommended firing technique?<br /><b>Answer</b>: no.<br />I
re-did the test with disc #4 and successfully domed it. I did however
anneal the disc after doming it a small amount and then proceeded to
dome it more.</li>
<li>What happens if I only fire the clay on the kiln shelf at 1500˚F (815C˚) for 1 hour?<br /><b>Answer</b>:
It doesn’t sinter (see Photo#1). The outside layer is metal and
polished up to a silver shine with a brass brush but it broke very
easily. The inside is dark gray and the outside is silver. I did learn
though that it can still be sintered by completing the two phase
process.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV7gkxNzNdpCH37s_AgRQV5itg7KglZuGISt6K1GD2n8AKTtzBR74ct9S3UPqKwENcYeTnkXdR05oXYWNueQ-QQ22aJOGsInuo-a4aoELD7Z67dkBanqqr7MgPRQBnzILEr1IS3DyYz5P/s1600/Q3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV7gkxNzNdpCH37s_AgRQV5itg7KglZuGISt6K1GD2n8AKTtzBR74ct9S3UPqKwENcYeTnkXdR05oXYWNueQ-QQ22aJOGsInuo-a4aoELD7Z67dkBanqqr7MgPRQBnzILEr1IS3DyYz5P/s200/Q3.jpg" height="200" width="187" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Photo #1 left piece is not sintered.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV7gkxNzNdpCH37s_AgRQV5itg7KglZuGISt6K1GD2n8AKTtzBR74ct9S3UPqKwENcYeTnkXdR05oXYWNueQ-QQ22aJOGsInuo-a4aoELD7Z67dkBanqqr7MgPRQBnzILEr1IS3DyYz5P/s1600/Q3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /></a></div>
</li>
<li>
What happens if in phase-1 I fire the clay on the shelf for just 1
minute at 1000˚F (538˚C) and then complete the recommended phase-2
procedure?<br /><b>Answer</b>: It doesn’t sinter.</li>
<li>What
happens if in phase-1 I fire the clay on the shelf for 10 minutes at
1000˚F (538˚C) and then complete the recommended phase-2 procedure?<br /><b>Answer</b>: It sinters fully and is strong enough to be domed.</li>
<li>What
happens if I place a disc inside a screen under activated carbon and
fire it at 1500˚F (815C˚) for 1 hour? Will the air inside the screen
area be enough to allow it to sinter? (See Photo #2.)<br /><b>Answer</b>: No, it doesn't sinter (see Photo #3 )<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbxLvJSHqJRvnASIrS2lXzSvqGR9tFGK0C-yh5BcV8RrB4eZE8LLZ2d-s8Ea3wxcdkO_sSKkZ4gb26HmvvTsT2WMsZcu-b5k0YhyJg0MF4AuTi8lzK9xLZ_XnRLX_v9hSY-6sdLCuTWrC/s1600/photo3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbxLvJSHqJRvnASIrS2lXzSvqGR9tFGK0C-yh5BcV8RrB4eZE8LLZ2d-s8Ea3wxcdkO_sSKkZ4gb26HmvvTsT2WMsZcu-b5k0YhyJg0MF4AuTi8lzK9xLZ_XnRLX_v9hSY-6sdLCuTWrC/s200/photo3.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Photo # 2</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bfUqk0opZBufbKFGnlCIrWEQbcSyJONmZPFeFAx_tYFMNvJM_PRZnVPshOXIXzYQ1t6l7Pmn2Nlt-hEn2wejmaAlXiTeLgh29hsjIH-pbtglUTbdltdt95_xAK484iywp1wD2xeUuJzH/s1600/photo2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bfUqk0opZBufbKFGnlCIrWEQbcSyJONmZPFeFAx_tYFMNvJM_PRZnVPshOXIXzYQ1t6l7Pmn2Nlt-hEn2wejmaAlXiTeLgh29hsjIH-pbtglUTbdltdt95_xAK484iywp1wD2xeUuJzH/s200/photo2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Photo # 3</span></div>
</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><div>
If I am attaching two fired pieces together using oil slip can I bypass phase-1? If so, at what point does it not sinter?<b><br />Answer</b>:
It doesn’t sinter when fired at 1500˚F (815C˚) for 30 minutes. I fired
three pieces separately and then used sterling silver oil slip putting
them together. Additionally, I added syringe clay as a decoration and as
reinforcement where the bail and the base connect. At first it looked
like it sintered, the new clay shined up, but when I applied force it
all fell apart. (see Photo # 4.) I then re-applied more oil slip and
syringe clay, and fired it to the Mitsubishi’s recommended firing with
phase-2 holding for 2 hours. It fired perfectly and doesn’t come apart
with applied force. I will need to test this again with firing the piece
for a longer time.</div>
</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj3OkpO0in1qlZXunztLakA9E4_mQykjM_o2TMuBINSLjAGuCgHSTTEGicO65sIg9ron16ZtMG6Eloer19fp8YgyLzrw7NqtTVnJbNAk6AJHWN-EEIrmN1p9tvcijUW-Z5k8ONz0N5XpO/s1600/photo4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj3OkpO0in1qlZXunztLakA9E4_mQykjM_o2TMuBINSLjAGuCgHSTTEGicO65sIg9ron16ZtMG6Eloer19fp8YgyLzrw7NqtTVnJbNAk6AJHWN-EEIrmN1p9tvcijUW-Z5k8ONz0N5XpO/s200/photo4.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-style: italic;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo #4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HCSBjERrg0G6DYIeIFyh5XDK4T7WPlmYwTnwnUbwqfirUhxusMEHAQUfn9EtC3MEB3bz_yPnLgzafYHTmi64xYyMeRDHyzTq3z41DbdQ6pfXMJ2fMFamt45sG1WcS695hIsZZxI4UDsi/s1600/sterling+test+33012a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HCSBjERrg0G6DYIeIFyh5XDK4T7WPlmYwTnwnUbwqfirUhxusMEHAQUfn9EtC3MEB3bz_yPnLgzafYHTmi64xYyMeRDHyzTq3z41DbdQ6pfXMJ2fMFamt45sG1WcS695hIsZZxI4UDsi/s200/sterling+test+33012a.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion</span></span><br />If
you are working on a prize pieced, take the time and complete it using
Mitsubishi’s recommended firing. If you are willing to cut some corners
and time, then try some of the above tests. I wanted to make sure the
tests were repeatable so I re-tested the pre-firing using the torch and
made this pendant from test disc #4 and oval #3. It seems to be
working. I can say that in a classroom situation, where time is short, I
may use the quick firing using a torch for phase-1 as long as the work
is not very large and complicated. I don’t want to risk harming someone
else’s piece of art! I will also be sure that students know the
recommended firing schedule and the benefits of sticking to it.<br /><br />I
will continue testing multiple firing to see if longer firing allows
the two fired pieces to adhere together without using phase-1 firing. </ol>
</div>
</div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879248246204477306.post-68939952123443515412013-07-10T17:35:00.001-07:002014-01-12T13:21:00.229-08:00Questions I ask my self while setting up my studio<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9izpJN8fpGFgCWhQ5ZYVB78zMwtARC5WxoJtH5qI9FAlv2FRaBYLt42kKjH-3oqdYERpfQc9oDLhXMLsl_XkosXlCYO053-6MGmwzKw0gpYIge30r5byqme0-5KbKKOPya1MW4twLM4/s1600/doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9izpJN8fpGFgCWhQ5ZYVB78zMwtARC5WxoJtH5qI9FAlv2FRaBYLt42kKjH-3oqdYERpfQc9oDLhXMLsl_XkosXlCYO053-6MGmwzKw0gpYIge30r5byqme0-5KbKKOPya1MW4twLM4/s200/doors.jpg" height="200" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I recently moved to Alto NM and set up my new studio and thought I’d like to share with you some of the things I thought about while setting it up. <br />
I asked myself some questions and then set it up from there.<br />
<br />
First and foremost will I be teaching in my studio or elsewhere?In this case I’ll be teaching in my studio. So I need to look at what my students will need. They will need a workspace. So, my next questions I need to answer is how many students can my studio accommodate and how will I place/make working stations? Where will I sit to demonstrate?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5ERCv5pUCmRHUZkLuZ1kNFLJfU6cc11t4VD4re0SnKD0utwkTwfzb53WywKANkEf_yxtPYqj1pv0awX2r6dapgM2VDXCJl5vEA7tGfJBqdwB0A8HkiiO3bwQO4jK1D04-QSvsTINyq0/s1600/studio1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5ERCv5pUCmRHUZkLuZ1kNFLJfU6cc11t4VD4re0SnKD0utwkTwfzb53WywKANkEf_yxtPYqj1pv0awX2r6dapgM2VDXCJl5vEA7tGfJBqdwB0A8HkiiO3bwQO4jK1D04-QSvsTINyq0/s320/studio1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I placed my bench in back of the room facing towards the door (front).<br />
I placed a low table in the center of the room. This table can be used
for bead stringing, and working with metal clay. I can place two
students here. All in all now, I can fit 5 students in my new studio. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRsk2dAoVm_DRSABEW0gHuK7RBs4VlbmbqyUVceGIAThPPAyXhGVMEIDYvhby3BKNSadPhYGoXiH0RXUMLsWddyNWq-q6Wyk_9A3oFT4JIArCe5PMFIlweil41RvigcfwNrMCriwfgYs/s1600/studio7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRsk2dAoVm_DRSABEW0gHuK7RBs4VlbmbqyUVceGIAThPPAyXhGVMEIDYvhby3BKNSadPhYGoXiH0RXUMLsWddyNWq-q6Wyk_9A3oFT4JIArCe5PMFIlweil41RvigcfwNrMCriwfgYs/s1600/studio7.jpg" /></a></div>
I installed a counter top along the right side of the room with flex shafts attached as polishing stations and work stations. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5baRtTeexGmXK_eH_xbkRvPPeOFg2i-nciSqNNbeCKLMz3DAUKoUT_BvntoqsqH7Sp2jTSAxdjV0p3EbNiI8TZQLyZhXkN3qtEOsaRFYBo-0_5NE3W3de74uk_qLBLFoMxM-OEtR2rQ/s1600/studio3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5baRtTeexGmXK_eH_xbkRvPPeOFg2i-nciSqNNbeCKLMz3DAUKoUT_BvntoqsqH7Sp2jTSAxdjV0p3EbNiI8TZQLyZhXkN3qtEOsaRFYBo-0_5NE3W3de74uk_qLBLFoMxM-OEtR2rQ/s320/studio3.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Another is along the opposite side with cabinets under it. They hold supplies for classes. I place class supplies on this counter top, depending on what I am teaching that day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOl5GFJIK4HZ5HyVeAIILdk7sypgqJU_KnA8ZDg3byo5ktgYE7kVk7MHkVUFnvzWSH8C-GM6y35eimnVauL4ay0NDizD55P6_lF5wBVLVp393hbM0bVSBG8Wjc4hYZABWMlqtr3H4FAqs/s1600/studio4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOl5GFJIK4HZ5HyVeAIILdk7sypgqJU_KnA8ZDg3byo5ktgYE7kVk7MHkVUFnvzWSH8C-GM6y35eimnVauL4ay0NDizD55P6_lF5wBVLVp393hbM0bVSBG8Wjc4hYZABWMlqtr3H4FAqs/s320/studio4.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My studio doesn’t have heat, so I put a fake fireplace space heater in the room. I put shelves in to hold merchandise, tools, for sale.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What will I teach?<br />
I will be teaching metal smithing and metal clay classes, so I need to look at storage for tools, books, chemicals, soldering stations, and a place for my kilns. I have a PMC kiln both that uses regular 110 current which is readily available. I need to store my flammable chemicals in a locked cabinet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgineDpNvtFgOkDc59e8W5DabB151e0EbdelC_Qu8aOvzueUzPuGcVZVSPt2XoCG-AjIUlzyLTZjqzNjuxkBBUJt3bs2p6c_nVJsR0HEwZLfi4DVheM1nEf9sDhK4iLnq1CeWDItGXxCt8/s1600/studio5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgineDpNvtFgOkDc59e8W5DabB151e0EbdelC_Qu8aOvzueUzPuGcVZVSPt2XoCG-AjIUlzyLTZjqzNjuxkBBUJt3bs2p6c_nVJsR0HEwZLfi4DVheM1nEf9sDhK4iLnq1CeWDItGXxCt8/s1600/studio5.jpg" /></a></div>
I also installed a fire detector and next to the entry door a fire extinguisher placed at around 4’ off the ground for easy access. Nothing should ever block the fire extinguisher.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpLhE3isZKk3eTRBjnF1DyFEUKDTj-G1YZoSNdZ7mITgKTPfl2WY_1tl8ET0XNAyvF_yzUsl7_hGlzuSPKXOcVD0INoejC24-pwyHdIHs8R9_Mr4x6GmyM3aaX-cPEvpVvmCC7eNOGlY/s1600/studio6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpLhE3isZKk3eTRBjnF1DyFEUKDTj-G1YZoSNdZ7mITgKTPfl2WY_1tl8ET0XNAyvF_yzUsl7_hGlzuSPKXOcVD0INoejC24-pwyHdIHs8R9_Mr4x6GmyM3aaX-cPEvpVvmCC7eNOGlY/s1600/studio6.jpg" /></a></div>
The soldering area will be in the far corner where I can open cross windows allowing for venting. Since I am renting this place I cannot install a vent system. This room has windows on three sides and double doors on one. I opened one window above the soldering station and an opposite window or door on the other side of the room. I have an Oxygen and Acetylene torch, that has its own stand, but my Acetylene air torch does not. It must be attached to the wall with a secure chain to keep it from falling over. <br />
<br />
For fire proofing placed some left over granite on top of the counter top and a Solderite board on top of that. Home Depot sells stainless steel sheet that could be placed on the wood counter top and then have the Solderite board on top if it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally, I bought some small safety signs, Oxygen in use, Flammables, No Smoking, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid kit, and some others. The oxygen and no smoking signs on posted on my front door. Of course the Fire Extinguisher sign is next to the fire extinguisher and the First Aid sign is the same. <br />
<br />
<br />
I hope this helps bring to light some simple things to think about when setting up your studio.<br />
<br />
Janet<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Janet Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619558080877483872noreply@blogger.com0