Re: Wax carving tools

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Posted by John Dach on January 25, 1999 at 14:51:43:

In Reply to: Re: Wax carving tools, thanks posted by Saskia on January 24, 1999 at 21:56:12:

Saskia,

Cynthia and I have a Matt lathe and I agree that it is sort of "toyie" and a bit pricy. BUT, I was at a 3 day workshop (SWEST put it on) and the guy who developed the Matt system was there and I will say, he could do things on that little lathe that made my head spin (that's why we now have one!!) Multi wax layered rings or multi banded rings were a snap (multi metal castable items with intimate contact on entire surface, made FAST. Blades are pretty micky mouse but I have not found the dulling problem mentioned, but I use ONLY the MATT waxes (other waxes may have gritty fillers that could explain rapid blade dulling). I was to get a video with the tools (lathe, wax gun and "router table" and $1000.00 plus of other tools and items) from SWEST, and after about 6 months of constant phone requests, we received a promotional tape, not the instructional tape, but could get no further with SWEST (a real bummer for us and I think for them, as we were teaching jewelry at the time and we were happy to show students ANY and all methods, tools etc. at our disposal, and the MATT tape would have been a great intro for new students wanting this sort of tool/work direction). In trained and knowledgable hands, it was amazing what was made on the lathe and the speed it was compleated in. Also required a VERY small work area.

I think that one really has to use this unit for an extended time to really get out of it what is potentially there. I have never had the desire to spend the time needed, but I get the thing out every year or 2 and mess around for a while, get frustrated and put it back in it's box. I know what CAN be done with it, I just don't know/remember how to do it.

For gear making or other tolerance work, I do agree a real lathe would be better (but I don't know how to make one of those do what I want either!!)

Hope this helps a bit.

John Dach

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