Intro issue

================================================================
_________________________IN THIS ISSUE__________________________

               -Feature Article - Why RM?
              -Q&A: What this column will cover
              -Sources: What this column will cover.
              -Tips & Techniques: What this column will cover
              -Miscellaneous: What this column will cover. Also:
                  --book list
                  --repairs list
                  --pictures & feedback wanted

Since this is the introductory issue of “Repairing Metalware”
(RM), I want to explain why I believe it is important.

The amount and kind of metal objects that surround us is
dazzling. No matter where you go, metal is there. For
millennia it has served mankind with its durability, strength
and beauty.

There are many different kinds of metal objects with
countless functions. Among them are what I like to call
“fine metalware.” Flatware, tableware, holloware, art work,
sculpture, door knobs, candlesticks, teapots, samovars and much
more can fit into that category. Basically, they are designed
and created so that they may be used and enjoyed for
generations. The kinds of metal they are made from
include gold, silver, silver-plate, pewter, copper, brass and
bronze.

It’s a fact of life, sooner or later virtually all those objects
are going to need care, upkeep, repair –- attention of some
sort. They are all going to need help to fulfill the destiny
for which they were created. When the time comes, if the
person who performs that service handles it improperly, the
invested talent, skill, experience, inspiration and artisanship
can be destroyed forever. RM exists to assist the metalsmiths
who perform that service to do the best job possible.

Obviously, other kinds of objects could be included in the list
mentioned earlier. Jewelry, ironwork, architectural, automotive
and museum-level metalwork can also qualify as fine metalware.

However, those branches of the metal world already have long
established organizations with training programs to teach repair
and proper care. Because of that RM will mainly focus on an
area that has little representation, the category of metalware
somewhere between jewelry and car bumpers.

Those who do the work of caring for these objects operate with
several built-in disadvantages. First, it isn’t a very
well organized trade/art/craft. It is hard to get training in
it. I don’t know of any school that offers a formal course of
study. Those who practice it are scattered and there are few
opportunities to share ideas, sources, trade secrets, ask
questions and generally help one other. RM exists to solve that
problem

Many enter the field, like myself, through the back door – by
combining another repair/restoration discipline with their
metalsmithing skills. Most have honed their skills by
experimenting with bits of information gleaned from obscure
sources.

I’ve been working in this field full-time since 1974. For 2
years before that it was a part-time business; 3 years before
that it was a hobby; 3 years before that I spent apprenticing as
a band instrument repair tech. Even so, I feel that I still have
a lot to learn. I still experiment, looking for better techniques
and materials. Maybe its the old “the more you know, the more
you know that you don’t know” principle at work.

More and more I’ve come to appreciate and miss connecting with
others who have traveled down a similar path. I want to share
my hard-won knowledge and learn from anyone else who wants to
share what they’ve learned. I don’t think I’m alone. RM can
help us all with that.

I live in an area of Southern California just north of San Diego,
with an extremely high population. Yet I know very few
metalsmiths involved in repair and restoration. At age 56 I’m
among the youngest. Most are quite a bit older. Run the figures
to see what the situation is going to be like in ten years.

Other parts of the country are even worse off. There’s a
mountain of work to do. Clients are lined up willing to pay good
money and, sadly, there are fewer qualified people willing and
able to do it each year. RM exists to inspire new-comers
into the field.

There are other disadvantages that restoration metalsmiths
content with but I will explore them in future issues.

Below is a brief explanation of regular RM columns and
what they will cover. If you see something we are missing,
please let us know. We want to help any way we can.

(Answering specific questions about metal care, repair, restoration,
preservation and conservation)

--For sale: “Free Metalcraft Plans” eBook. Extensive source
of over 500 magazine articles on how to make your own
metalworking tools & equipment. Magazines are the perfect
medium for detailed, illustrated, well thought-out instructions
and plans. Best of all, this information is free and waiting
to be discovered at your public library! Click here for more
information: http://walkermetalsmith.com/fmp_ebook.htm

(This column will explore ways to work better, easier, faster,
efficiently, etc.)

(This column will cover everything else that doesn’t fit in the
other columns)

--Question: What do you do? We’d like to compile a list of typical repairs, restoration, preservation, conservation operations members
do. Things like: candlestick repair, spoon de-denting, table knife
blade replacement, etc. How big a list can we make? Please let
us know and we’ll post the results here.

--Pictures wanted! Please upload your repair and restoration
“pics” to the group picture gallery. It will inspire others, and
could be a good advertisement for you too.

If you find this information valuable, please pass it on to a
friend. However, we ask that you keep it intact and forward it
in its entirety. It is distributed by subscription only.

PO Box 2907, Escondido, Ca 92027, 760-747-5978

================================================================