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.

Community Casting

For metalworkers with previous casting experience, come cast your work in VisArts metals studio! VisArts offers designated casting days each month that are facilitated by a VisArts instructor, generally on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays from 9am – 12pm. Before signing up for a community casting day, you must apply and be pre-approved. Learn more about the pre-requisites and explore upcoming casting days.

QUESTIONS?

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.