Hi Chuck, I acquire most of my equipment like Matt. I have a list of equipment that I want, but don't necessarily need right now so I wait for a job that requires that tool and try to work some of it into the costs or a job that has a bunker cash return. If the idea is sound you can sometimes nudge people toward a design that requires and helps pay for or at least lets you get experience with your new toy.

It's better(and more fun) to just start working than waiting until every thing's perfect. It usually never get's there, there's always something else we "need".

Jake

Chuck,

Naturally, I think you made the right decision, and for the right reason, too. It is the creating that is important, not the means by which you get there. Sometimes, you're better off working with less. A case in point:

When I was teaching a silversmithing course in college, I had my students progress in logical steps from simple tasks to more complex ones, not allowing the use of certain studio tools until they were well-grounded in the fundamentals of working without power aids and relatively modern techniques. By the end of the semester, they had all reached the point that they could freely use all the studio equipment ad lib. For their final project, however, I reined them back in and had them work only with very limited resources. After the expected amount of whining and resistance, they settled down and produced some of the very best and most creative work they had to date. The restriction on tools and techniques actually forced them to look much more critically at their designs and concepts and focus on improving them.

I try, every so often, to put those same restrictions on myself for a bit of a creative "jumpstart" when I'm feeling that my work is becoming trite or overworked. It really helps me, every time.

I think you're going to make great progress the way you're going. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

I agree Chuck! When I first started I had the same feelings you were struggling with...I was fortunate enough to have access to some tools at the College I was attending, and didn't know what I was going to do once I had maxed out on the classes I could take in the Welding department. Then I found a metalsmithing workshop in Ireland that I set out to attend. It was such an eye opening experience for me 'cause with all my ambition I was bound and determined to do it all!
What I learned, besides the techniques to metalsmithing, was how to plan a project out. Master Silversmith Brian said, once the templates, or sketches are drawn- to scale you must figure out the tools it takes to create the piece, and sometimes when you don't have them you must make them, or find another inexpensive way to get what you need...
I think the point he was getting at was before I went out and spent lots of $$$$$ on something that really wasn't necessary for the job I needed to try to figure another way to execute the project, and I found that sometimes it's an even better way and adds to the skills I already have.
One more thing, is that my eyes are now open to working with other materials that I never thought I would even consider when I first started working in metal.
Keep the ideas flowing!
BRIGHID-GODDESS OF THE SMITHS IS ON YOUR SIDE!!!

CHEERS!

Jamie Santellano

Nice story Giusseppe! Brings it all home...

On the other paw; "He who dies with the most tools wins!"

Nic East, Jim Thorpe, PA USA
Creativity begins with a novel thought.