Flex Shaft Fundamentals: Rotary Tools, Tricks and Essential Techniques by Kristin Mitsu Shiga and Lindsay Minihan

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Lindsay Minihan, Kristin Mitsu Shiga

Students learn to navigate the many options available – from choosing the right motor & hand piece (and how to maintain them) to choosing the right bit for the job at hand. Come prepared to take lots of notes and bring problem pieces for personalized consultation. Students may also bring their own flex shaft if they have questions about their setup, use or repair.

When: December 4, 11 & 18, 2024.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Cost: 210.00 US dollars.

Course Outline: 

● Participants will be able to choose the best flexible shaft motor, handpiece and rheostat for their application(s).
● Participants will be able confidently to clean, lubricate and maintain their flexible shaft motors and handpieces (and know when to do it).
● Participants will be exposed to every type of rotary bur, bit or accessory currently on the market, and how to purchase – or in some cases make – them for themselves.
● Participants will understand how to choose the best tool for their application, and how to use it efficiently.
● Participants will learn industry tips and techniques for streamlining their processes and using the flexible shaft in unexpected ways

Session one will focus on the array of motors, handpieces and speed controls on the market today. We’ll discuss which combination is right for the work you do, and then walk through the proper use and maintenance of each component.

Sessions two and three are devoted to exploring the myriad of drills, cutters, burs, grinding stones, sanding bits, rubberized abrasives and polishing products from coarsest to finest. Aftermarket accessories will also be discussed.

About Kristin Mitsu Shiga:
Kristin Mitsu Shiga is a maker and educator living on the Big Island of Hawai’i. She brings to the classroom a unique set of skills and experience earned through decades working diverse roles in the field of metals & jewelry, including bench jeweler, shop owner, tool and findings supplier, and armaturist for stop-motion animation studios to name a few. You also may recognize Kristin from her programming work with various local and national nonprofit organizations, including Metalwerx, the Society of North American Goldsmiths and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Her work can be found in numerous publications and collections, including the Kamm Artful Teapot Collection and the Permanent Collection ofthe White House.

About Lindsay Minihan:
Lindsay Minihan is a skilled metalsmith with a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. For sixteen years, she served as the Executive Director of Metalwerx, a nonprofit jewelry school, where she supported numerous artists in teaching and learning. In 2022, Lindsay joined Gesswein, a 100+ year old family-owned tool and supply company. Her role involves enhancing education, supporting studio jewelers, educators, and schools, and providing resources for optimal bench practices. Lindsay is passionate about fostering a well-equipped and safe studio space, always eager for tool discussions and dedicated to solving practical problems at the bench.

>> More information about the workshop HERE