Metalwork workspace

Various examples of enamel jewellery

Tools and the Workspace Workspace Wherever your workspace is situated it is essential to follow good working practice guidelines. If you have been to college you will have learnt these at every step, if you have not then it is a good idea to research the internet or books for health and saftey advice especially when working with chemicals, heat source and kilns. Ignorance is no excuse these days and accidents need not happen if you are well informed. Visit forums on enamelling but research your question first within the forum, to see if the answer is already there. Your workspace should be kept clean and tidy especially working with enamels as they can be contaminated.
Tools	Kilns	Enamels	Metals	Soldering	Workspace

Water Water is a necessity in your workspace, make sure you have a good supply nearby. Ventilation Chemicals need ventilation so that you can avoid future respiratory problems. Enamel powders can also cause problems especially when grinding it produces fine glass dust, wearing a mask and having a well ventilated room should be considered. Bench Make sure your table or workbench is stable and secure and large enough to accomodate all your needs. Placing your kiln on a heat protected surface will ensure against damage and accidents with hot enamelled metal. Enamels Protect your enamel powders from heat, damp, light and direct sunlight. Kilns Make sure your kiln is compatable with your electricity supply, they usually are but it is worth checking. Give yourself plenty of space to work, with nothing to inhibit your movements. Use heavy protective gloves if your kiln is on a particulally high heat and you think it might take you more time to remove an item. Chemicals Extreme caution should be practiced at all times when handling chemicals. If you are unsure of what you are doing, research and read instructions several times so that you are well aquainted with them. Always add undiluted acid into water and not the other way round and stir the water very gently whilst you add the acid to prevent heat stresses which might crack or break your container. Be close to a water supply and should any acid splash onto you, remove with warm water and sodium bicarbonate. Check If in doubt check, check and double check, be careful, thoughtful and concentrate at all times on what you are doing.