Wirework Description: Judy, a retired physical therapist with carpal tunnel syndrome, will share her inexpensive, simple, and effective ways to use your tools while protecting your precious wrists, so you can be an ergonomic design diva! This fun, process-oriented class is not about perfection but about the principles of protection while you punch holes, texture and polish a copper sheet with a hammer and Dremel, cut it with shears, and assemble your organic-looking jingly necklace. Additional session offered Sunday morning, June 9 (B131726).
Students will Learn: Ergonomic design principles during cutting, texturing, sanding, and attaching copper blanks to a slide on a steel neck wire that are both handmade. You will learn to analyze and use your tools in biomechanically correct ways, analyze your tools before you buy new ones, optimize the ones you have now, and convert inexpensive hardware into hand protectors.
Project will be completed in class.
At least 16 years old.
Supplies to Bring: Bench block, metal files, safety glasses, small hammer, tin snips, writing materials, two-hole metal punch, Dremel or rotary tool, Dremel accessory kit #686-01 (instructor will have an assortment of bits to share), rubber bench block or mouse pad, heavy-duty flush cutters for 16-gauge wire. Safety glasses and hair tied back are required during this class. Optional: Work apron recommended.
Pliers: Chainnose without grooves, flatnose without grooves, standard roundnose, Wubbers medium bail-making, nylon-jaw bracelet-bending pliers. A set of pliers and cutters dedicated to steel wire is recommended but not required.
Materials in Kit: Metal spring clip, nitrile gloves, copper spacers, steel wire, sanding pad, cooling beads. The instructor will provide pencils, markers, copper sheet, and polishing cloths for use in class.
