Handout #7: BRONZE TOOLS Name____________
Protecting yourself and those working around you is of #1 importance!!! Always practice safe working habits. Only work while relaxed, protected and clear-headed. Power and Hand Tools for Bronze After the bronze has been cast, there are 5 steps to prepare it for Patina. Below are steps (A-E) for processing bronze castings, with required safety conditions:
A) CLEAN piece of all plaster/sand investment. (Soak in mild acid bath of vinegar or citric acid.)
Hand Tools: A) Nylon brushes, wire brushes: Protect your eyes, nose, mouth and hands.
B) CUT-OFF gates within 1/8" of piece, leaving one large gate in place to secure in a vice.
Hand Tools: Vices with jaw pads; Hack saws, bolt cutters: Protect your eyes, nose, mouth and hands. Power Tools: Electric angle-grinders and/or reciprocal saw with extension cords: Protect your eyes, nose, mouth, ears and hands. No loose hair or clothes.
C) GRIND, chisel or file off large blemishes, such as gates, bubbles and flashing.
Hand Tools: Vices with jaw pads; cold chisels with ball-peen hammers; files: Protect your eyes, nose, mouth and hands. Power Tools: Pneumatic die-grinders, hoses; Electric angle-grinders, ext. cords: Protect your eyes, nose, mouth, ears and hands. No loose hair or clothes.
D) WELD pieces as necessary, including mounting attachments, following welding demonstration Instructions. Protect your eyes, nose, mouth and hands.
E) CHASE welds and remainder of gates. Continue to refine surface for final Patina!
Hand Tools: Vices with jaw pads Cold chisels, files, rifflers, sand paper, scotch bright pads, pumice: Protect your eyes, nose, mouth and hands. Power Tools: Pneumatic die-grinders with hoses; Electric angle-grinders with extension cords; Pedestal sanders and wire wheels: Protect your eyes, nose, mouth, ears and hands. No loose hair or clothes.