It was an interesting first session in my wax carving class last Monday night. It looks like only 3 to 4 of us and one of them is my daughter Shelley. Number 3 seems like he is going to switch to a day time class or maybe switch between the evening and day classes. The last one apparently is a more advanced wax carver and spent her time away from the “newbie” discussions. That means a lot of attention for Shel and me.
We got a list of basic tools we need for beginning wax carving. Actually not so much carving as it is filing. We were given a list for both the wax carving and the metal (silver) work we will be doing. Total cost of the high quality Swiss files, saws and other items was close to $250. The class cost that much too.
The price seemed high at first look but considering for me they are a lifetime investment, it is really very low for great quality tools. There are expendable items like jewelers saw blades, but that goes with the work.
We started hands on wax “carving” by sizing up a wax ring blank. We are using the most labor intensive way using the files. I got to use the Foredom motor tool as the instructor knows of the PN problem with my hands. I was doing OK with the files, but I had to enlarge the wax ring size from a #5 to a #12 and that is a long way to file. The Foredom motor tool I used made it much faster and easier on my hands using a large drum cutting burr. Of course I already know how to use the machine.
I definitely have a new Foredom visioned as my next purchase. It was a delight to use and much more comfortable AND controllable than the self contained motor hand tools I have used all my life. The instructor did not assign much importance on which version of the tool is preferable. If it runs and has a variable speed, that was all that was important. So it seems to me “features” can be a personal choice. Of course that is one persons view. However, I do understand her reasoning. She is not selling tools.
Three hours seemed to go by fast. Shel and I were heading to our homes with our class lists of needed tools. I picked everything from the Riogrande.com website and sent Shel my wish list. She was doing the same thing. We both got pretty much the same items on order that night.
I’ll be sizing up my Foredom tool selection soon. I am committed to doing this type of work. Probably not too many finger rings but we will see. There is an unlimited realm of things that can be created in wax carving for casting. I’ll be there for sure.
UPDATE: I just added a Foredom SR tool to the shop> http://thehobbyistworkshop.com/jla/index.php/tools/foredom-sr-flex-shaft