Projects start with setup. This is the first in my series of retrospective posts from 2020. I’m writing them to share my creations and lessons learned through the process of making. This entry covers a fear I had to overcome to start moving and create.

Fear limits what we are willing to interact with.

I filled up on fear of blowing up my home after I acquired a torch kit. After purchasing all the idle tools from a retired jeweler to build out my personal workshop it sat waiting. Hesitating for years before buying any gas.

Fundamentals

I learned the fundamentals of silver smithing from a class at UCLA Extension in 2018. It built my understanding of silver as a medium. Establishing the intuition to undertake works with it creatively and explore the possibilities. Throughout class I created my works with a handheld butane torch. It is a quick and versatile tool, easy to transport and wield. For heating metal inside a few cubic inches it worked well enabling the creation of rings, pins and earrings. Yet sputtered out before heating larger metal objects.

Fear

The acetylene air torch head gathered dust on my shelf. I was fearful of the consequences of bringing a volatile gas into my home. The NAFTA warning diamond with a 4 at the top etched in my mind. During the wizard Christmas party in 2019 we had just pushed the earth slightly farther from the sun, and I joked about about having another powerful light bringing tool and being afraid of it. My conversation mate informed me that not only was it used in classrooms, but the head of the Metal Art Society of Southern California was in attendance. This introduction and reassurances led me to finish re-re-re-reading OSHA guidelines for safe storage and purchase a tank of acetylene.

Fuel

Purchasing it was a second adventure, running to and from gas supply shops. Worried that my torch hoses or connectors were leaking. Maybe my regulator was broken, tearing down each component to look for the flaw. There was nothing wrong with the equipment, I just had more to learn. After a conversation and demonstration by the clerk at Gordy’s Welding Supply I understood how to light up. Making a metal to metal seal was my missing key. With a monkey wrench and a bit more torque than anticipated I could light up safely.

Fire

Seeing the first flame roaring in the crisp wind was victory over fear burning bright.

This little flame (at 2400F) opened the door for the next project. Creating the clasps for my wedding cape.