Martha’s move to Wisconsin gave her the opportunity to design an entirely new teaching space from scratch. Her new home had a large unfinished space (about 530 square feet) that had real potential. It was already heated and air conditioned, and with the help of local contractors, she added new electrical circuits, plugs, lights, and water. Martha, her husband, and their son-in-law added benches, cabinets, and plenty of pegboard.
The resulting space is designed around six dedicated areas or stations. Here are some some details. (Click on the photos to see larger versions.)
This is an area devoted to layout and design. It is equipped with a flex shaft and bench pins, measuring tools of various kinds, and features a well stocked cabinet on the right, that holds metal, drawing materials, and other supplies. The monitor above the cabinet allows Martha to show students videos and various techniques.
The forging station is equipped with a variety of hammers, mandrels, and forms, as well as a rolling mill, a heavy vise, a vertical vise, a grinder, and a chop saw.
This is the central student work area. The large table features flex shafts, electrical outlets, bench pins, and comfortable seating for four persons. Task lights can be easily added as necessary.
This prep area runs the length of the studio. It features ample counter space, a utility sink, and a microwave, a tumbler, and a kiln. It is used for enamel work and etching.
The soldering station was designed to allow two smiths to operate acetylene torches at the same time. The laminate countertops are protected with cement board sections, and the area is equipped with a pickle pot. The two black vents mounted on the pegboard are connected to an air filtering system that sits behind the wall. This is an effective way to filter any smoke or fumes that result from soldering.
Martha calls this section of the studio the “machine shop.” It features a 20 ton electric hydraulic press, a drill press, a combo shear / brake / slip roll, a band saw, a combo disk / belt sander, and a scroll saw.