I think it's 'Lapidary Journal & Jewelry Artist' and 'Art Jewelry'. They're both heavy on the 'you can do this project'. Usually something of interest in each issue but not a lot, for me.
'Metalsmith' (SNAG) is I think a tad pretentious and heavy on the well-known names in art jewellery. Noted for often having not a lot of actual metalsmithing, and nothing of technique.
That's just my review, others will differ....
But no harm in looking at them to see for yourself.
edit, I also buy American Craft and find it to be much more interesting.
Dianna, once you get used to the bushy flame you will get to identify the 'hot spot'. It's not as obvious as with a smaller discrete flame but it is there and handy to get used to using when needed, if needed, during soldering.
I tried a year of Lapidary Journal, I'm letting it expire though. Not enough of interest to me. Occasionally there'll be a bit on an interesting technique or something interesting in the tool column, but that's about it.
So I'm looking for a replacement. Maybe I'll try Metalsmith. I take it Art Jewelry is not so different from LJJA?
CG, isn't the hottest part of the flame the blue tip? I never get the blue tip part of the flame that close to the metal. I'm usually about an inch or so from the blue tip once I see that the piece is hot enough for the solder to flow.
I'm still in awe that I got my little metal pieces soldered on tonight without screwing up. I haven't stopped patting myself on the back, and have a surge of confidence! :)
It's not a big deal, don't worry about it, you'll automatically find it. Each torch and fuel will be a bit different. I only mentioned it because in a bushy flame it's less obvious but there is always a hottest spot.
I should re-stage my first buffer - for about the first year - which was a 1/4" Black & Decker one speed drill, 1325 rpm, with a 4" buff mounted on a bolt in the chuck. Hand held on the bench so one-handed buffing. Paid my dues....
I would just love to post a picture of my bench but, alas, there is 3300 lbs. of metal on top of four tires that isn't moving until yet another tow truck comes tomorrow. Grrrr...
Two weeks ago, the water pump failed. No biggie...got it fixed and under warranty. Yeah for the 7/70k extended warranty through GM that I negotiated into my deal before Saturn shut their doors as my car is now 6 years old with 26,600 miles. I read online that the water pumps fail around 30,000k so I was ready for it. Last week, I went to start it and nada. Ok, dead battery we all thought...not warrantied but not too expensive and it was the original battery. Yesterday, I went to start it so I could finish a scrabble tile order and....nothing. Just clicking again and dead as a door nail. It has to be flat bed towed back to the mechanic tomorrow. He said they tested the charging system so something is draining the battery.
I guess you don't have much choice. And 6 years is reasonable for a battery, even in LA. Assuming you put in a new battery, a basic way to check is undo the cable from one terminal and in the dark touch it to the battery post.
The tiniest draw will show a spark or in the quiet you can hear it. If there's any sign of a spark that means there's some draw on the battery. not sure about new systems, maybe the clock and ? might always draw something. Not sure.
The rocking chair actually worked quite well because I could put my foot on the rung under the chair and tilt it forward closer towards me. I only stopped using this system because I wanted the chair to sit in, and the tripolie was making it really dirty permanently.
Lots of people I know are having car troubles right now. I am glad I can live without one, but I know many people cannot. I feel for all of you!
There is always something drawing on the battery. The computer system, radio, alarm, etc... That's normal in newer cars with all of the gadgets. It's not so bad taking it to the mechanic, they have a nice waiting room with good coffee, snacks and free wifi. I just don't like having to wake up early to wait for the tow truck. The mechanic/dealer will have someone to drive me home and then pick me up when it is ready. I want them to keep it over the weekend to ensure there is no longer a parasitic drain after they 'fix' it.
