What is this and what do I do with it? #3

[Ron Z]

It's been a while since I did one of the "what is this" posts, but I was working on a pen this morning and was using one of these.

 

OK - it's obvious that they're little bowls (actual size is about 2" at the top). But what would you do with them??

 

Let's hear your ideas, and then I'll tell you what I use them for.....

 

[OldGriz]

Keep all the parts of the pen in them as I disassemble it...

[Sarj]

 

Sushi dips - obviously !

 

Seriously though, I'd go with Tom on keeping disassembled parts of a pen separate from other pens under repair.

 

[aunt rebecca]

obviously the bowls are used for peanuts, potato chips, and pop corn. since you are unable to leave the bench for sustenance because you have so much work to do! i've seen you being fed by robyn as you toiled over my pens.

 

Edited April 10, 2007 by aunt rebecca

[SMG]

Those bowls don't look like they have a flat bottom on them. If not I wouldn't put any parts in them. Likely to get knocked across the bench scattering parts all over.

 

Rather I would use them for mixing dental resin to repair various features on pens. As the resin would be viscous enough to withstand a slight bump without spilling this might work.

 

Cheers,

SG

 

 

[Elaine]

I use bowls for the same thing Tom does. When a pen is disassembled but I'm not working on it - it goes into a plastic disposable bowl.

 

I also use bowls for water when working with gouache and dip pens.

 

Your bowls look like they would make cute hats.

[Momomar]

Shell game

[bossy]

Maybe to soak/clean nibs,

they look a little bit like these mini bowls

Edited April 10, 2007 by bossy

[Ron Z]

The bowls are only 2" in diameter at the top - pretty small. They do have flat bottoms, and no, I don't use them for holding small parts. I'd wack them and scatter things for sure!!

 

Hint - they're silicone rubber.......

[SMG]

Are they flexible and kinda grippy????

 

Cheers,

SG

[Taki]

Gripping parts to loosen or tighten things like jewels?

[Ged]

If they're silicone and grippy... maybe turn them over and rest a pen or pen part on it when you need a softish nonslip surface to work on?

 

Tell us! My curiosity is killing me!

[Ron Z]

They're very useful, but a bit humdrum.....

 

I found these in one of those stores in a outlet mall with lots of kitchen gadgets. I think it was only a buck or two for a set of 4. But it's a good illustration of keeping your eyes open for possible tools to aid in pen repair.

 

Sean had it right - being silicone, there's little that will stick to them. I use them for mixing dental resin and epoxy. The dental resin is especially tough, because it sticks to glass, plastic and metal. Sure, you may be able to knock it loose, but it takes some effort. With these, you just turn the bowl inside out and the stuff pops off.

 

I hadn't thought about holding small parts, but that would work too.

Edited April 11, 2007 by Ron Z

[SMG]

Yesssss! Got another one.

 

 

Keep em coming Ron.

 

These are kinda fun.

 

Cheers,

SG

 

[Ruaidhri]

Nice one Ron

 

I had a couple of ideas but as they involved ladies underwear and cricket, I thought the better of posting them

 

For small parts in the workshop I use small metal bowls which have magnetic bases - they aren't going anywhere

 

Regards,

Ruaidhrí