Apartment Studio Setup [Archive]

DPete1104

2009-01-03, 2:05am

Two really important things, Candace...first off, read your lease and make sure that you are allowed to work with flammables in the apartment. My lease forbids it...the clause is mainly meant to keep tenants from using propane gas grills or heaters in the building but it certainly would be sad if you got it all set up and then your landlord saw it. This is a case where it is MUCH better to ask first .

Also, make sure you have adequate electrical service. I have a lovely kiln that I can't use until I move because, even tho it runs on household current, it requires a dedicated circuit...and if you're in an older building the wiring might not be up to the load a kiln would make on it. Using extention cords for heavy loads is a bad idea...you'll have lights, a fume hood (ventilation system...you DO have one, right?) etc. Make sure you aren't trying to run them all on one cord.

Make SURE to have a proper sized fire extinguisher close at hand and make SURE you have an exit available if the worst happens and you have a fire. Don't use a setup that would trap you if a fire started. Always work between the torch and your exit. And NEVER have more than 2 small fuel canisters (if you're using a hothead)in the house...and never bring one of the bigger propane tanks (like the one on gas grills) into the apartment.

Safety is a big consideration, especially in an apartment...if you're not sure about something then ask here...there is always someone who is willing to help you...

Good luck!

Denise

(who wishes he had a way to torch in HER apartment....)

beybey

2009-01-03, 8:09am

Thanks, Denise.

Yes, I do have ventilation and have checked my lease. I was just wondering if there were any special setups out there that anyone put into play that made their studio operation that much more effective and special.

Candace

laserglass

2009-01-03, 9:35am

assuming it is OK to have an open flame in your apartment, i would still stay away from the larger bbq grill size tanks. you could use a hothead with a 1 pound disposable tank, or you could get an oxygen/fuel torch like a minor and use an oxygen concentrator for the oxygen, and use a 1 pound cylinder regulator to supply your fuel. this will work for most any torch that can be powered off of an oxygen concentrator. that way, you would have no large tanks. set your studio up close to a window that you can throw a large box fan into for ventilation. normal ventilation fans for stoves or bathrooms will not work. here is a link to a place where you can buy a 1 pound tank regulator. you would cut the metal connector off the end of the hose and use a piece of tubing or a double pipe nipple to connect the regulator hose to your torch hose.

http://www.tntcampinggear.com/product/5445B556C?OVRAW=propane%20regulator%20parts&OVKEY=propane%20regulator%20part&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=10257290512&OVKWID=126400631012

beybey

2009-01-03, 6:35pm

Thanks, Mark. I will definitely take a look at this. I have a minor torch and my oxy con. I would have to see how long they would work with the boro items that I would be making. But I will take a look. I thought that I would use the regular bbq tank running the line thru the window that is in front of my work space.

I'm so excited about getting started. But I want to do this right and safe.

Thanks,

Candace

Dale M.

2009-01-04, 10:03am

You can also use this item to attach a "standard" adjustable regulator (acetylene/propane - welding style or "pancake) to a #1 pound tank.....

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200306161_200306161

Something you also need to consider is having torch in apartment even legal...... Remember you are endangering everyone and their belongings in the whole building if you have some sort of accident with the torch...... The physical-monetary-emotional liability may be more than you are wiling to bear if the is a accident.... An warm glass studio in apartment may not be such a good idea.

Dale

beybey

2009-01-04, 10:31am

Thanks. How long will a 1# tank usually last?

beybey

2009-01-04, 10:38am

Thanks, Dale. Quite a few folks here on LE have studios in varying setups. I'm simply inquiring of those who have experience with such if they have done anything special with their setup.

I will check out the adj regulator. If the 1# tank does not last long, I will have to go a little bigger. Which is fine since I have the setup for it.

Thanks,

Candace

laserglass

2009-01-04, 12:27pm

i have heard that a 1 pound cylinder will last 4 to 6 hours on a minor. if you already have a regulator, buy the adapter. if you don't have a regulator, the one i suggested can be purchased for about $15 other places. i posted the link as illustration, not as the best deal.

here is more info

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445332&highlight=regulator

beybey

2009-01-04, 2:01pm

Thanks, Mark.

Lorraine Chandler

2009-01-04, 2:28pm

Dale M.

2009-01-04, 4:13pm

You will find a lot of pictures on this thread

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93005

Not specific to apartment but I think you will find a lot ideas

Hope that will help you
Lise

This thread also show a lot of bad things too, like 5 gallon (#20) or larger propane or fuel tanks inside under benches.... Absolutely no ventilation.... Flammables things on bench in front of torches....

Just take what you see here with a grain of salt because there is some really bad examples there... ON other hand there are a lot of good examples... I'm not trying to knock other board or people in thread... I'm just saying be aware....

Dale

beybey

2009-01-04, 6:16pm

I bought a baby propane tank from an RV supply store. Much smaller than a BBQ tank, easier to heft around and you can fill them at any RV park that has propane for just a few dollars.

The baby tank was 89.00 or so but well worth it.
Lorraine

Thank you, Lorraine. I was hoping to find something smaller than a BBQ tank but a lil' bigger than the 1# tank if possible. Are you able to use a regulator on this tank as well?

Candace

Dale M.

2009-01-04, 8:52pm

There are two common tank sizes smaller that the 20 pound bbq tank....

A 5 pound tank and a 11 pound tank....

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/5-lb-cylinder/16069
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/11-lb-cylinder/16070

11 pound tank also comes in tall thin version...

These tanks accept same regulator as 20 pound tank.

Dale

beybey

2009-01-05, 9:13am

Thanks, Dale.

Lorraine Chandler

2009-01-08, 11:03pm

Yep! thats the one, it is very small, My tank is only 8" wide by 12 " tall including the handles at the top. It is about 1/4th the size as my BBQ.

It doesn't freeze up, lasts a lot longer than the 1pd. bottles and will easily fit in a basket or box for transport. It is only 1/2 pound more than the 1 pound canisters.

JUST be careful and follow all of the safety rules and guides here and you will do fine.

It is a 4.9L which is equal to about 1.55 gal, I think?

It hooks up just like a BBQ tank. The tank weighs about 10 pounds empty.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/5-lb-cylinder/16069

Lorraine

beybey

2009-01-09, 7:26am

Thanks, Lorraine. I'm going to get my fuel today. One of the last parts of completing my studio.

Lorraine Chandler

2009-01-09, 9:04pm

How great does that feel?!! \\:D/ Maybe you can post some pics when its all done?

Hugs
Lorraine

beybey

2009-01-10, 4:10pm

It feels great. I will definitely post some pictures once I complete my studio. This is so exciting.

Thanks,

Candace

beybey

2009-01-13, 8:10am

Just a quick note...I'm going to go with the 1 # tanks (thanks to Mark's help and reference to the posting on Wet Canvas). I came across a propane refill adapter at Cabelas. I'll probably keep a larger tank on reserve in an outside storage area and fill the smaller tanks on an as needed basis.

Now I'm just waiting for my Coleman 15 psi propane adapter to arrive. I have some outfitting to do. Thank you, Mark.
Candace

Dale M.

2009-01-13, 9:17am

Good luck with refill adapter.... Personally I think the are dangerous and should not even be available to general public....

If you insist on using it, be sure you attempt to fill smaller bottles from large one in open well ventilated space (OUTSIDE) if you have a malfunction you do not want a apartment fill of explosive propane gas.

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=275

Dale

beybey

2009-01-13, 9:54am

Thanks for wishing me well.

Dale, you know you really do not have to feel obligated to respond to my posts.

Have a good one.

Dale M.

2009-01-13, 9:21pm

I'm sorry.....

Its just that I don't want to see you get hurt.....

Some of the things you are doing like using a torch in apartment and putting whole building at risk and fooling with poorly designed tank filling adapters and such just sets off "safety alarm bells"...

But then I'm not worried about the problems you may cause because I'm not it the fall out zone of what you are doing and what ever damage or injury you may cause.... I just feel sorry for the Innocent people you are involving without their knowledge if something happens...

Cheers!

Dale

laserglass

2009-01-14, 5:33am

dale is right, do not use a tank refiller adapter. just shop around for the lowest price on the 1 pound cylinders. i have found them as low as 99 cents.

beybey

2009-01-14, 8:58am

Thanks, Mark. After doing further research, I had already decided to shop around for the propane. Thanks for being kind.

beybey

2009-01-14, 9:01am

Dale,

I don’t appreciate being accused or excused in a public forum as you do not have all of the information to make such strong accusations. Out of respect, for now, I am sending you a PM as I will not treat you as you have treated me and others in this forum.

I'll speak with you behind the scenes.

beybey

2009-01-14, 2:20pm

Ok, I'm back.......I hope that this thread has not upset or discouraged anyone. Ask questions. That’s all you can do.

Though the tantrum above was not necessary. The purpose of my posting was to hopefully be of assistance to someone else and to get help, not sarcasm and false accusations.

Knowing that others have successful studios in various settings, I was simply looking for feedback. My understanding is that LE represents a community of folks who thoroughly enjoy their craft and like sharing and helping one another. A lot can be said in how we address one another.

Thanks again for those who contributed.

Candace

Dale M.

2009-01-14, 4:54pm

One final comment......

You may want to run some of your thoughts and ideas by the safety expert Vince, over on ISGB forum...

Cheers!

Dale

beybey

2009-01-14, 5:39pm

Thank you, Dale.

Leslie Dana

2009-01-14, 9:00pm

I do not mean to rain on your parade anymore than I think Dale meant to . He is very experienced and cares about safety !! Living in a multifamily building should make you take every precaution possible for everyones sake . The refiling thing scared me just hearing about it .

BTW I dont know Dale personally , just know he cares enough to give smart advice :)

beybey

2009-01-15, 7:31am

Hey Leslie,

Not at all. Thanks for sharing. :smile:

That's the great thing about LE. You can put something out there and you will find someone who knows something about it and will probably have really good advice to offer you. Hopefully, being kind in their delivery. :happy:

juliesjewelry

2009-01-17, 11:43pm

Doing torchwork INSIDE of a home, especially in a carpeted area (as in some of the studios shown on wetcanvas) kind of seems like an accident waiting to happen.

That having been said...once, many years ago, in a moment of desperation, I did set up a temporary studio in my apartment bathroom. It had built-in ventilation and was tiled from floor to ceiling. All of the fixtures were porcelain and I removed the shower curtain, towels and anything else that could catch on fire. I was using a hothead, small MAPP canister and 104 glass.

Do you have a concrete deck or patio that you could use? This might be another option to explore.

beybey

2009-01-18, 3:38pm

Hi Julie,

It's funny that you mentioned the patio. I had a couple of other developments since the earlier part of last week. Especially since I live in an area where it is pretty warm most of the year, the concrete patio is currently on the table. Then there is a gentleman who has a glass fusing studio that he recently opened around the way from me (within walking distance). We spoke the other day and he is very interested in having other glass and jewelry art forms sharing his space. We are planning on discussing further the possibility of folks renting space from him in order to torch. It would be nice to be a part of this (in a way a little lampworking community service - especially since there are no studios in the immediate area). This just keeps getting better. :grin:

Carpet - Recently, I remember a thread here on LE that addressed the carpet issue and different things that folks used to protect their carpets and beautiful floors. From plywood to the colored squares that kids play on to fire proof blankets, etc. There were several different ideas.

Thanks for sharing your creativity and your story.

Candace

Cathy at the Beach

2009-01-18, 3:56pm

I almost hate to admit this, but before I got my studio (which is a separate building) I torched on our dining room table. Its an antique turn of the century dining room set that sits on turkish rug on top of maple hard woods. I had just started lampworking and JUST HAD TO DO IT. I put a piece of plywood over a padded silence cloth on the table and covered the floor with another old piece of rug.
Fortunately nothing terrible happened..I had corner windows I'd open and use a fan for ventilation.
I think people thought I was crazy- but I was addicted! That was December and my studio was ready by May- so it didn't last too long. I actually think it was the motivation that my husband needed to get his butt in gear and get that studio done. :)

beybey

2009-01-19, 10:26am

Hi Cathy,

Perhaps the only way you would have burned through your padding was to hand torch through it. I know that you are probably so enjoying your studio. Congratulations!! :razz:

Thanks for sharing your story.

onebizebee

2009-01-20, 7:47am

I would be very hesitant about setting up in an apartment. Even if your lease says nothing restrictive about open flame etc. Ask the landlord directly. It might also be against fire codes. I lived in many apartments while in the Navy some of the leases prohibited candles, space heaters and grilling on the porch. Do you have insurance? Will they cover the entire building and all its contents if there is a fire? Do they know you are planning on lampworking? Popping hot glass can start a fire amazingly fast! Even if you have your work area set up for safety that one little piece of glass will always find its way to the one flammable thing on your bench.(like a piece of paper you have color combo's wrote out on.) It never fails. I would keep up with the fellow with the fusing studio. It would not be as convenient as doing it from home but at least you don't have to worry about burning down your home and your neighbors!!!!