Red Flag Day 2

Over the past week I have spent much more time on my project than usual. On Sunday, my uncle and I went into the shop alone so we could start the ring. I spent about six hours working on the ring and finished that day by soldering the bezel I made to the shank. The next day I went in was Monday which ended up being a very difficult day. I sat down to do my project and I instantly melted the bezel. Big mistake. I had to go back trough and file it down and solder two small silver pieces in the melted place to even the bezel and shank out. In the workplace, I spent about 10 hours so far this week.

For class, we need to pick a partner and do research on one another's project and give it to them so they will learn some information that they wouldn't research for their own project. Unfortunately, I did not blog about class.

The only research I have done this week is by watching the other craftsman in the shop and seeing how they work. I learned about the things you are supposed to put on the ring before you solder such as the boric acid and flux. The boric acid keeps the metal from oxidizing while the flux keeps the solder flowing.

I went to meet with Mr. Johnson yesterday and it turned out that he wasn't feeling well and stayed home. I plan to visit him fifth period today and see if he is able to have a quick catch up meeting.

I have made catching up with entries a big goal of mine and I am trying to stay caught up. Since last Monday I have about seventeen blog entries with about five this week alone. Most of my entries are talking about my plans for the following visits and what I did in the shop that day such as soldering or fixing my mistakes.

My fulfillment if WISE requirements has been very good this week because I have been working hard on my ring and I am actually starting to get very interested in my project. It has actually sparked an idea for me. Next year I will be playing hockey in Andover, Massachusetts and taking a few classes at a community college. I asked my uncle if he will continue to train me over the summer so I can work in a jewelry store next year that way I can make somewhat decent money an do something I enjoy.

For the following week, I hope to finish my ring and start the bracelet. I also want to create a nice pendant that I will probably give to my mother. Since the start of my project, many things have changed. I don't think I am going to make both a bracelet and a necklace because it seems redundant. Hopefully I can finish the ring, make a pendant, maybe make The Lord of the Rings ring, and possibly a few other ideas that spark within the next few weeks.