Metals

VisArts’ metal studio is a multi-purpose space that allows for many different metal-working techniques such as casting, soldering, and enameling. The space is equipped with 12 work benches, soldering stations, flex shaft stations, and polishing stations. We also have a jewelry kiln and casting furnace as well as plenty of hammers, takes, mandrels and other basic hand tools.

Have questions about this studio? Email [email protected] and one of our studios or program staff will get back to you.

• Do not use any equipment or tools you are uncomfortable with. Always ask a monitor or coordinator if you need assistance.
• Wear proper attire: close-toed shoes, no loose clothing or dangling jewelry, and always pull hair back. Wear clothes with natural fibers (no synthetics) when operating torches or the alcohol lamp.
• The studio should be left as clean or cleaner than you found it: please put away all tools, all metal shavings and cuttings should be swept up, and all work in progress should be taken home.
• Wear provided eye protection when using the flex shaft, drill press, belt sander, and buffing wheels. We also recommend eye protection when sawing.
• Dust collection and ventilation systems must be used when operating machinery.
• Dust masks and respirators are recommended when sanding, polishing and mixing investment. Dust masks are available for purchase at he front desk.
• Do not wear gloves when operating spinning machinery like buffing wheels, belt sander, drill press or flex shaft. This is extremely dangerous.
• If the tanks at the soldering station need to be changed, ask for assistance. Only teachers, studio monitors and studio assistants can change tanks.
• Follow tool and equipment rules: green handle hammers are for non-ferrous metal only, stepshear is for nonferrous sheet metals only.
• Wear proper eye protection when casting or operating kilns.

• Metal is provided to students currently enrolled in a class as part of their class fee. Paid access users must supply their own metal.
• Flux, solder, pickle, patinas, and saw blades are available to all open studio users.
• We do not allow aluminum, pewter, pot metals or any scrap metals or those you cannot identify.

• Studio tools are available to all open studio users; tool kits and specified burs and drill bits are for students only.
• Open studio users can access all equipment except for forges and the burnout kiln.
• The enameling kiln is available to those with certification only.
• Metal clay students may not access kiln during open studio time.