quiet for a while

I've been working on an overhaul for the shop, and possibly an additional shop for higher-end metalwork. we'll see . . .

one thing for sure though, I've been ordering new equipment for metalsmithing. right now I'm waiting on the arrival of a two-barrel polishing tumbler. one barrel is going to have polished steel shot, and the other with a fine river rock. the steel gives you a nice high polish, and the river rock gives you more of a luster polish. I had been avoiding making a lot of things (especially chain) because polishing with a wheel is not only much messier and time-involved, but dangerous if you're polishing chain. I'm also trying out a non-toxic pickle (acid) solution for cleaning the metal. in a few weeks there should be some great new things up in the shop!