Wednesday, December 21, 2011

This time last year....

by MaryAnn Carroll

I really wanted to own a Swanstrom disc cutter.  The issue was..... buying it without charging it.  I've been working very hard the past couple of years to not pull out a credit card.  If I don't have the money, I usually refrain from buying it. So.... back in September I decided to do something unique for me and save money.  Bill gave me what I was unable to save as an early Christmas gift, so this year I was able to buy my new disc cutter. 

I read many reviews on this and others before deciding that I wanted this one.  I made the right choice.... as far as I know since it works like a charm.  The price was up there, but I'm anticipating that I will be able to make up for that next year by creating components, etc. for others to purchase.  Bill has decided to retire this June when the school year is over and, although we have been working on how we will make extra money after retirement, it seems to have come a little more suddenly.  That's okay.... I'm a risk taker at heart so I'm sure that this risk is something that we will do okay with. I'll write more about that as we get closer.  I'm hoping that he builds a gas kiln to help the "in between wood-firings" and I'll be able to get beads into those firings as well.

So....  This is just how my new cutter looked when I took it out of the box.... (top pictures from Riogrande)....


I figured I might as well purchase the die set too.... as this point... cha-ching... it was already adding up....
 And here is how it looked last night while I scramble to get my Christmas gifts made.  I'm hoping to finish the components for  everything tonight....  Theme:  Keep it Simple :o)

I'm a messy artist....  I did clean before starting this project the other day.....



And, I LOVE IT!!!!  I'm still experimenting with my enamels and a few other techniques, but that is the fun of it for me.  If you do decide to purchase this, remember that you will need some other items that you might not have.  In my case, I had none of the below....

brass hammer


urethane mat


lubricant


My advice would be to watch the two short videos at on the Riogrande site before making your decision.  The total cost (with everything I purchased for this) came to over $400.  I was searching for coupon codes. I called the company and there aren't any for this product.  
So, I'm hoping that I will have some beautiful creations to share in the near future.

Thank-you for supporting those who create handmade with handmade.

MaryAnn

13 comments:

Izzy said...

Oh... you know I'm a jealous girl! =)

Artisan Beads Plus said...

HAH! I love it! Definitely worth the money. I know I'll get lots of use out of it so it was worth saving for.... ;o)

Alice said...

Thank you for sharing this. I've been wanting one of these for a long time, but the cost is just too high for me right now.

Spirited Earth said...

congratulations on the new purchase..can't wait to see your new components..i know they will be lovely.
i've been wanting to get back into metals and also to explore cast glass components, but need/want a separate kiln...but as you commented, i'd like not to use the CCard for it..going old school..cash or check.

Artisan Beads Plus said...

Thanks.... I couldn't afford this last year when it was $30 cheaper. I decided to start saving early and was able to save enough. This should keep me busy for awhile :o)

mairedodd said...

i spy little people! have fun...

CS said...

Congratulations on your new tools! How exciting and so far you have created some cool pieces. You have inspired me to start saving!
Happy Holidays!

stacilouise said...

YAY! Isn't it fun? I have one too and glad I just got a good one right from the start. I hate buying cheap tools that don't last! Your enamel work looks great!

Artisan Beads Plus said...

I agree.... I have lots of cheap little tools and will be replacing them as time goes on.... Yes, Maire, little people. Those are for Erika for Christmas. I have to assemble a necklace tonight. Fortunately, I made those a couple of months ago... One less thing to do now.

Mary Harding said...

I had a cheap set first and now I have the Swanstrom set and the difference is incredible. I learned from the cheap set that I needed the heavy brass hammer. It makes quite a difference. You are in for lots of fun, and creativity,I see!! Happy Holidays!!

Kelli said...

New tools are SO VERY much fun!!!! Some women dream of diamonds and furs..... HA!!! Give us gals some hammers and tools and we're ecstatic!! :)

Unknown said...

I am going to bookmark your page for sure! I am planning on getting the swanstrom, and I wanted to know if you think the centering plugs are necessary? is it possible to get a fairly descent washer without them? It all adds up when you start buying.

Artisan Beads Plus said...

In all honesty, you probably can. I like them because it makes it simple. I do, however, eyeball my cuts when I'm doing it off center and they come out fine.
MaryAnn

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