Here are some good articles on working with Vivak: "Vivak: An Alternative TO Conventional Plexiglas and Museum Board for Exhibition Mounts", Folger Shakespeare Library, Book and Paper Annual 22 pp. 109-110 "Vivak Exhibition Cradles", by Whitney Baker, Head, Conservation Services, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas, Inside Spencer The KSRL Blog "Wundercradle: On-site Construction of Custom Exhibit Mounts", by Brenna Campbell, Assistant Conservator, University of Iowa Libraries "Exhibit Supports: Learning about Vivak", by Pat Fox, Cornell University Library Conservation You should be able to find these on the internet. Let me know if you can not find them. Earl Lock

Hi Schyler, Mini Torch is great for making small mounts but has to be used a little different than a larger welding torch. It comes with a set of tip sizes but other types of tips are available from Jewelry suppliers like Rio Grande. What kind of flux are you using? I usually use Dandix flux with the Smith Mini Torch for silver brazing. My advice is to keep the torch tip moving, as you work, in a circular motion over the area you need to heat, and watch the color of the metal as it gets hotter and hotter. Both the different size tips and the small dials on the torch let you adjust the heat. In addition you can also make adjustments by moving the torch tip closer or further away from the metal. Become very familiar with what the metal looks like just before it melts. Watch closely as the metal becomes shinny and changes color. Practice a lot on different thicknesses of metal. For very small mounts the Smith Mini Torch is great for controlling the heat in small spaces. It takes some practice but is well worth the effort. Also, I usually work on a metal table with a top covered in fire bricks. I have found that Menard's hardware stores sell a box of replacement fire bricks for stoves at a good price. Earl Lock

Please send information about this job to earllock@sbcglobal.net Thanks, Earl Lock