Mass production?

​Thanks to those of you who sent me your queries - I’m getting through them as I have the time.  And if you haven’t sent in your questions yet, please feel free!
 
This month I want to talk about mass production in my workshop.  Well, it doesn’t happen!  I make batches instead.

Figure 1 shows a recent batch of two koalas, with an earlier effort at the back acting as a model.  I work on the new ones alternatively, grinding one to a certain stage, then go to the other.   The changeover point is often determined by a change of tools being necessary.

​If it takes longer to change the tools for the next stage of the process than it does to complete the current stage on the pieces in the batch, then it’s worth making a number of similar pieces: time is valuable and needs to be used wisely.

​Figure 2 showing a later stage in the process.  Here the one on the right is still wet from cleaning off the rock flour.

​So when carving simple pendants which might take 1 – 2 hours to finish each one, I make batches of 8 – 10 at a time.  But with more complicated pieces which might each take 15 – 20 hours to complete I have batches of 2 – 4 because if there are too many in the batch and I never seem to be making progress, it can drag me down mood-wise.

​Figure 3 shows the two finished koalas, but before oiling them.  It is always interesting how each piece develops a personality during the carving process.  But there is always an improvement to be made the next time around!

​So what I’m saying is, it’s important to make progress during each work session.  The progress makes me want to come back to do more in the afternoon, or the next day.
 
It’s all about planning.
 
Happy carving!