Jewelry Area
General Information
MakeICT's Jewelry Lab is located behind the kitchen/vending area. It is open to all members at all times (unless there is a class in session) If you have any issues with Jewelry Lab equipment, please send an e-mail to jewelry@makeict.org. The Area Lead for the Jewelry Lab is Dean Day jewelry@makeict.org,
Access Policy
Jewelry Lab Safety
- You are welcome to use any of the tools or equipment in the Jewelry Lab, with the exception of the OxyPropane torch, as long as you can do so safely. If there's something you don't know how to do safely or without damaging the equipment, please ask before using. You can always ask questions on the forum ask for help.
- Do not use any machine that is not in good working order. Stop, unplug and leave a note on the machine and notify Jewelry Lab.
- Never assume a tool is properly adjusted; always check the tool prior to use.
- Never modify or hack any equipment.
- If something is wrong, leave a note in an obvious place on the troubled equipment and e-mail jewelry@makeict.org.
- The proposed access policy for using the OxyPropane torch is as follows: We require that you be checked out on the torch by a qualified torch user before becoming a qualified user. In the meantime, you may make use of the standard propane torch in the Jewelry Lab.
Equipment List
| Picture | What | Manufacturer | Model | Status | Resources |
|---|
- 4 ton "A Frame" hydraulic press
- Ring Stretcher/Shrinker
- 1 ton Arbor Press
- Smith "Little Torch" - currently using Oxygen/Propane
- Dremel Electric Belt/Disc Sander
- Electric Buffing/Grinding Wheel
- Dremel Electric Rotary Tool
- Assorted hand tools for jewelry work
- (Unfinished) Centrifugal Casting Apparatus for small items (rings, pendants)
What We Need
Our A-frame press, ring stretcher/shrinker, grinder/polisher, and mandrel are all on loan from a member, and replacing those items with MakeICT-owned equipment should be a priority. The ring stretcher/shrinker in particular has been heavily used, and is a low-end version never really designed for such heavy use.
We are currently in need of many items normally found in a properly-equipped jewelry design and repair shop. Donations of tools, jewelry, materials, and findings are greatly appreciated. We desperately need an assortment of findings and parts for fabricating small jewelry. Silver wire, silver sheet stock, and scrap silver would make it a much better lab. We are also seeking people with experience in jewelry work to teach small classes (usually limited to six people, because the lab is small) in their area of talent, interest, or expertise. If you can give of your time and talent for a class, please contact Dean Day jewelry@makeict.org. With your help, we can have an awesome resource for jewelry making here at MakeICT!
