Jewellery Classes and Artisan Workshop
Bench Hire - FAQ
Our three studios provide a functioning, safe and creative environment for makers at a range of stages in their practise.
Casual Bench Hires provide short-term space for people to finish projects, or you may enjoy scheduling a regular spot to get your creative mahi going.
Please familiarise yourself with our policies and systems around Bench Rental in our studios so that we can keep offering this invaluable resource with safety, warmth and care in mind.
Am I ready to book an independent hire for my project? Or What type of hire can I book?
This is a good question to ask, and you are very welcome to contact us to check whether you are ready. We can check in with your tutors to gain an understanding of your learning to-date and can then advise where you are ready to start.
You can also hop over to our flow-chart which helps identify what stage you're at, and the best type of hire for your project.
Why do I need an Assisted Hire for some activities?
Certain activities in our studios are High Risk. This means, either the equipment is sensitive and able to be damaged (for example, the electric kiln, or the specialist setting equipment), and / or it involves high heat and multiple hazards that must be managed (such as performing a metal melt or casting).
To ensure that all the studio users are kept safe and hazards are minimized and managed appropriately, we require that a studio technician is on hand to monitor these activities and to provide that essential "second pair of eyes" (or hands).
What tools can and can't I use in an independent Hire?
Our booking system asks you to let us know what type of work you will be doing in the studio for your session. At the most beginner level You can use the basic hand tools that are available for class - ie, saws and sawblades, bench and needle files, forming tools, hammers and punches, basic setting tools (burnishers and rockers) and sanding sticks.
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If you have not learned to solder then you will not be using the solder station.
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If you have learned to solder then the solder station, solder, pickle and flux are all included.
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The flex shafts and drill press and tumbler may be used, if you have learned how to use them. If you have not used them often, please book an assisted hire to be refreshed in their safe and effective use.
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Larger drill bits are usually supplied out in the workshop area.
Small consumables - such as small drill bits and burrs are not included as they are expensive. You can purchase these in the studio or bring your own.
You can bring your own hand tools of course - but ensure they are clearly marked as yours, and take them away with you when done.
You must not use any tool you are not trained in using. This is for the safety of yourself and others, and for the upkeep of our tools. They are expensive to have and maintain, and incorrect use can result in extensive damage to our tools.
Please respect our workshop and tools and help keep them all working great!
I have taken a Sand Casting class recently, am I ready to do an Assisted Hire?
If you are unsure, check out out our Flow Chart that helps decide where you are at.
It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to melting and pouring metal. Check in with us - you may be able to book a 1hour one-on-one at the beginning of the day, and spend the rest of the day in an Assisted Hire.
What Additional Charges are there for Bench Hires?
Casting and melting or use of the kiln require a small additional charge.
This is to cover the use of consumables connected to these activites and tools.
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Any Sand Casting has an additional fee of $5 to cover the use of the sand.
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Any melting or casting session that has more than 3 melts will need an additional $5 to $10 to cover the use of the oxygen, lpg and crucibles and sand.
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Use of specialised setting burrs - you can enquire if you are able to use these. They are only available to those who are competant in their proper use. There is an additional fee of $10 to use these burrs. You are able to purchase burrs for yourself, and keep them for your own use.
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Kiln Use - an additional fee of $5 to $10 for kiln use and power.
*Please note, these charges are additional to the Assisted Hire fee.
An example charge up might be:
For a metal melt and pour (for processing metal) for over 3 melts.
Assisted fee - $55
$5 per extra 3 melts.
For Sand Casting session:
Assisted Fee - $55
Sand casting fee $5
No additional fee if 3 or less melts.
For a Kiln Session:
Assisted Fee $55
Kiln use (half day) $5
What consumables and tools are available when doing an enamelling Bench Hire?
Enamelling tools and consumables are expensive and quite varied.
Bench Hire covers the use of the torches, firing tripod, bench tools, trivets, meshes and diamond sanding pads. You may also use the tweezers, spatulas, grinding stones and cleaning pads. Sifters may be used, but must be paid for if damaged.
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Enamels, foils, metals and glues are not supplied. You may bring your own, or purchase from us.
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You are encouraged to purchase your own brushes, sifters and tweezers to ensure your equipment is kept tip-top as you like it.
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Use of the kiln requires an Assisted Hire, and a small power and kiln charge.