Every time my wife refers to my equipment purchases as toys, I correct her that it should be pronounced “tools”.
15 Likes
Uh, my chemistry teacher told me she could dissolve my body down the drain and no would find the evidence. We had very different chemistry class experiences, I think 
14 Likes
The budget for any project includes at least one new toy - er, um, Tool. I figure what I save by doing it myself is way more than the cost of the tools. Further, tuition. Skills gained and tools acquired are completely valuable.
I’ve never regretted buying a quality tool; but I have kicked myself for skimping and buying the cheap one with the reasoning that it’s only one project.
Still debating that point as I have a basic glowforge on order. I contend that it is quality. Part of me argues that a pro is more quality.
@printolaser, I am again impressed at your artistry. You seem to do well in any medium.
6 Likes
And don’t forget a lot of talent!
Those stairs are fantastic, I love the balance of order and accident.
6 Likes
Yikes! Did she get the Psychopath of the Year award or were you just a terror in class?
4 Likes
Our HS chemistry teacher explained that narcotics were listed by their exact chemical makeup and a competent chemist could just tweak a molecule so you got the same high without the legal jeopardy (designer drugs.) He did not recommend you use your product, but that you sell it without the problem of prison. It was his way of promoting chemistry as a career.
4 Likes
As of today, “legal highs” are banned in the UK. It’s no longer the chemical makeup that defines a drug, it’s the effect.
2 Likes
After two weeks in Southern France I really am inspired me to do some stone work. Some day. Yours is fantastic.
4 Likes
So I could be arrested for tripping on endorphin?
2 Likes
I seem to recall similar laws in the US that have to do with make an essentially similar molecule to the controlled substance, even if it is a transition step.
Wow, @erin - were you a problem student? Or was that her way of indoctrinating the new class? 
@cmreeder- Thank you! Bear in mind that I have the perogative of showing the good stuff, and not divulging the wreckage of my creative journey!
An advantage of metal casting, the ability to retask the material, although there is a degree of pain associated with dropping a polished piece into the crucible and putting a torch to it…
Completely agree.The tool purchase is the point of commitment, so you jump in with both feet and emerge with either a degree of success or a clear understanding of why it was a bad idea. “He chose poorly” 
An addition to the tool inventory furthers your capability, and adding the skill of using it is like getting paid double to tackle the job yourself. The completed task is the cherry on top!
This job for example would have cost me thousands. Besides the stone, I spent maybe $150 on diamond blades and a summer. Now, from a chaotic pile of rock, I have a highly organized pile of rock, an exemplary piece of landscaping and a new set of calluses!
Thank you Josh!
[quote=“jkopel, post:648, topic:1731”]
the balance of order and accident.
[/quote] - a persistent theme in my life, bending more toward accident… which has taught her to keep a wary eye on me…
@marmak3261- thank you!
It really was rewarding. Pretty simple stuff once you learn how to “talk” to the material, almost meditative.
Yes, the old world masons were fantastic!
Hope you enjoyed the excursion!
6 Likes
I think it’s something along the lines of a chemical substance designed to mimic the effects of already banned substances, is now itself designated as a banned substance.
1 Like
The juxtaposition of your post to the one before it made me giggle a little.
4 Likes
You’re right. The chemists kept tweaking molecules or swapping their order (mirroring was a big thing because it created a brand new thing that acted exactly as the old thing) so in the mid-80s Congress passed the Analogue Act to fight designer drugs that were just tweaks of something that was banned by direct reference in the statutes.
On a technical level though we’re all walking violators of the Analogue Act because dopamine we create in our brains is an analogue of a banned substance 
So, don’t smile too much or you may be investigated
6 Likes
It was the eighties.
4 Likes
What a difference a “d” makes 
6 Likes
Just a few things to display on my desk for the new ProLaserCutz store soon to be my next company…all laser cut or engraved. Still need lots more samples…
these are some of the ones I havent sold or given away…lol
36 Likes
How cool!
So many neat projects. The boxes are really nice! I think that Triceratops is great. I think a dog size version in steel would be great in the front yard! My neighborhood may not agree.
As soon as I get this thing, you will have a disciple. 
Thank you for sharing your work!
5 Likes
Steel dinos in the front yard sounds like fun! 
5 Likes
Good sample of things to demo. Cutting boards and spatula handles that are personalized will do well! I have a silicon spatula from All-Clad with a wooden handle. It’s held up for 20 years. It’s going to be a test piece some day.
2 Likes