Come use a bench in our classroom space. Participants will work independently; no instruction will be given, staff on-site will not be available for consultation regarding individual projects. Participants will be responsible for bringing their own small bench/hand tools (saw, pliers, etc.) and materials. Potter USA will provide a jewelers bench, bench pin, bench light, and flex-shaft. A list of our larger equipment available for use can be found in the full description below.
Skill Level: Participants must have basic jewelry making skills and hydraulic press experience. Open-studio is not intended for beginners.
The classroom is located at 1949 E. Eastland, Tucson, Arizona, 85719.
Students will need to bring their own small bench/hand tools (jewelers saw, blades, pliers, files, flex shaft ginding wheels, etc.)
Our classroom is equipped with the following tools which are available for participants to use:
3 acetylene torches (Smith - Silversmith)
pickle pot
3 electric hydraulic presses
2 manual hydraulic presses
many (many) impression dies
selected pancake dies
selected silhouette dies
2 bench shears
1 metal cutting band saw
2 Quick-Form Presses with all attachments and accessories
Polishing motor
magnetic pin finisher
ultrasonic machine
enameling kilns
large anvil
various hammers
and more!
The goal of the Potter USA Studio is to provide a safe, educational, and recreational experience for students interested in all aspects of using hydraulic presses and tools made by Potter USA. We are committed to a professional approach to education and our facility is not intended for commercial production. Please read and agree to the following rules:
- Because this is a shared studio setting, common courtesy is imperative. Leave the classroom cleaner and more organized than it was when you arrived.
- Clean up after yourself. Return all tools to their proper location. After use, sweep and/or wipe down the areas around all saws, presses, formers, work surfaces, and work areas.
- Bench seating is on a first-come, first-served basis unless the instructor chooses to assign seating.
- An instructor/studio monitor has the right to stop the usage any tool or machine that isn’t being used correctly or safely.
- The use of proper safety equipment is mandatory. Safety glasses must be worn when sawing, using presses, grinding, etc. Safety glasses can be found by the front exit door in the classroom. Hearing protection must be worn in any situation where sound levels are high and/or unsafe (raising, chasing, band saw, etc.).
- Only instructors and Potter USA staff are permitted to adjust machinery.
- Only instructors and Potter USA staff are permitted to exchange torch tips, adjust tips, hoses, and handles.
- Students are not permitted to use acids or chemicals without PPE and the direct supervision of the instructor. Do not dispose of any chemicals down the drain.
Usage Waiver
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Potter USA and its employees and faculty against any and all claims for personal injuries or damages of any kind arising from using Potter USA’s classroom building. You authorize Potter USA staff and faculty to seek emergency medical help, if this becomes necessary. You realize that every effort will be made by Potter USA staff to contact the emergency contact person in the event of a medical emergency, and you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Potter USA personnel in seeking medical care for you. You also agree that Potter USA may use your photograph in the promotion of its programs.
