Iron Studio Information

This list is intended to give an overview of what is available for use in the Penland iron studio, and may change before your class. Instructors will determine which equipment is suitable for use during a class and some equipment may not be available in all sessions.

Supplies and Materials
Students are responsible for purchasing materials used in the production of their own work. The Penland iron studio stocks a variety of common sizes of steel for students to purchase. Materials purchased through the studio are to be paid for at the end of your session at the school store, which accepts cash, checks and Mastercard/Visa. Students are welcome to bring materials from home. There is also a scrap yard about an hour away in Asheville.

A variety of finishing supplies are regularly kept on hand in the studio including paste waxes, linseed and tung oil, various spray paints, and patina chemicals. Instructors may make special requests to facilitate unique processes.

The school maintains a comprehensive hazardous waste program and asks that you limit the materials you bring on campus to those classified as non-toxic. The material must be in its original packaging. An environmental fee will be assessed for classes generating hazardous waste. In order to limit the hazardous waste generated in the studios, we cannot allow students to bring toxic materials outside of the class supply list into studios.

All iron classes have a studio fee that is to be paid at the end of the class. The studio fee varies depending individual class need and consumption. The fee pays for a variety of consumables like coal, gases, abrasives, welding supplies and so on.

Students are welcome to bring favorite personal hand tools for use in the studio.

Classroom
The classroom at the iron studio is a separate enclosed space that is heated and well lit with daylight and fluorescent lights. In it are tables and chairs students may use for drawing or looking at books, or as a place to hold class discussions. There is also a large chalkboard in the classroom. The classroom also houses the stereo for the shop. Students and instructors are welcome to bring personal music selections to the studio. Courtesy is expected, as in any shared space.

Student Workspace
Each student will be able to pick a space in the forge and the classroom which will remain for his or her use throughout the class. Other areas of the shop are shared.

Storage
Students are welcome to store personal tools at their forge and other supplies in the classroom, however there is no lockable storage space available at the iron studio.

Safety Information
Safety is of prime importance in the iron studio. The studio coordinator will perform a safety tour at the beginning of each session. Attendance is mandatory, and no one may begin using the studio before completing the safety tour. Due to the nature of the equipment in the studio, no student may use any tool until he or she has been instructed in its use. The iron studio also uses a "buddy" policy. That is, you may not use any stationary power tool when alone in the studio. All students must be present during the studio introduction and safety tour or make arrangements with the coordinator before beginning work.

The iron studio is equipped with emergency shower and eyewash stations, sinks for washing, two restrooms, a first-aid kit, and a phone for emergency calls. Students are requested to bring their own personal safety gear including gloves, safety glasses, face shields (when required) and dust masks. These items are available for sale in the school store, or from local retailers if the student wishes to purchase them after arrival at Penland. Alcohol is not permitted in the studios. Working in the studios under the influence of alcohol is not permitted. The use of illegal drugs at Penland is prohibited.

Shared Studio Equipment

Shared air space/ music: Each class should discuss the playing of music and reach a consensus on the time of day, the volume, and the type of music to be played. Tolerance and consideration are expected from everyone.

If you wish to use equipment in other studios during your session, you must work with the instructor, studio assistant or coordinator of that studio to request access. They will determine if the desired usage is compatible with their class' activities, and if you are able to work safely and independently with the equipment. Students enrolled in classes in that studio will be given preference in the use of tools and supplies. You must follow all safety rules and procedures in any other studio.

Plan your time at Penland
Your time here will pass quickly. After your all-school introduction and first class meeting on Sunday evening, classes begin on Monday morning with the studio safety tour. Class will end either the afternoon before or the morning of the last day of the session with the shop clean-up and show-and-tell. Clean-up is part of the job. Please do not plan to work on the last day of class. Special arrangements must be made with the coordinator if you cannot participate in clean-up.

If you have questions contact:
Studio Coordinator: Nathan Blank
Office: 828-765-2359 x40
Voicemail: 828-765-2359 x 52
E-mail Address: iron@penland.org

Revised April, 2008