One of the few downsides to creating and showing mechanical work is the occasional malfunction. Over the years I’ve become fairly skilled at creating bomb-proof pieces. Still, with the traffic I’m receiving at Schoolhouse, one of the works; “F*ck, I Forgot to Dilate” became “Stuck I Forgot to Dilate”.
My little studio in Provincetown is basically a desk in my bedroom and it’s not the best place to repair kinetic sculpture. Aside from a few screwdrivers, pliers and a tiny butane torch there’s not much to work with. Especially lacking are clamps of any kind. Looking around for a way to hold things in place while making the repair, I made a wonderful discovery; Bobby Pins are the perfect size and shape for holding steel wire while soldering!
The little ridges are just the right size for holding onto 1/16 inch piano wire. When I return to Somerville, I’m going to keep a jar of these on my workbench.
Great tip, Gina!
Thanks Dug, now I just have to figure out what to use for my hair!
I just made my first mechanical sculpture, and this tip will help me with my future creations. Thanks.
I like to use surgical clamps but you have to be careful when brazing as they will crush the metal as it gets hot