So I ordered a new soldering torch… the torch I was using started shooting flames out the back and I decided that was bad. After reading a few articles I chose to purchase the Meco Midget. (What a name… I know…) I got the torch on Monday and it has been a busy week for me, orders, kids, teacher conferences, you know the drill, so I wasn’t able to light up my new gadget until today. I was excited though, this torch was gonna pack a punch and I was ready for that! So I get it all set up and I turn on the propane, check, turn on the oxy… nothing. What?! I check the hose, oxy there… so I unscrew a few parts to the torch and oxygen was nowhere to be found. Sigh… This is where I had to bring in the big guns… Dude of course! So Mr. Mechanical Engineer starts to disassemble the torch and I walk away. Over the years we have found that we work best together while apart. After he has the torch in pieces it becomes apparent that some tiny mesh screen inside the torch has corroded and is blocking the flow of oxygen. After I clean the screen… Dude puts it all back together and ta-dah… I have a flame. Woohoo! My hero! I have no idea how long that torch was sitting around in the warehouse… hopefully with its new cleaning it will work like a charm.

I am still having lots of fun playing with this bronzclay! I made this rather large ring which is quite fun to wear.

I am also having lots of fun making cabs to set in the clay. This ring uses a boro cab that I made which has a nice golden sparkle to match the bronze.

Nice soft focus on my wrinkled hands don’t ya’ think?!

For my next project I think I’ll make a crazy “brass knuckles” style ring… what do you think?! Ha!