1 Fusion, July 2007 - Rio Grande

SUMMER 2007“If you don’t allow that time,you may get on your flight on time,but your bags may be sitting in anexamination room somewhere withthe contents spread across a table.In my experience, I have found thatthey always inspect my checkedbags.”He suggests that makers shouldunderstand why PMC and therelated tools cause suspicion. It’s anunusual substance, and the tools—especially those with gauges—looksuspicious. At the airport, be aspatient and understanding aspossible, and do not confront thesecurity guards or baggage checkerswith your frustration. ey aresimply doing their jobs.Finally, pack your checked bagswisely, and think ahead. Darwaypacks his tools in one bag, andplaces them in plastic containers,all clearly labeled and often with aninventory. He also includes a PMCbook, readily visible on top of thechecked bags. at way, when inspectorsopen his bags, they will seewhat the tools are for and can readfor themselves, if they choose, aboutthe material and how it’s used.e other issue, and one thatsometimes comes up on a return tripafter a workshop, is odor. “Workingwith chemicals can create suspiciousodors, and this has led to somenervous moments,” he said. “I don’tthink the TSA training manual goesinto a lot of detail about liver ofsulfur.”“In many cases, I’ll ship myequipment, materials, and tools tothe class site a week ahead of time,”Linda says. “It increases the cost ofthe workshop, but it’s worth avoidingany hassles or the loss of goodtools due to heightened securitymeasures,” she said. A couple timesI have purchased a kiln and had itshipped directly from my supplier,then sell it to a student at the end ofthe workshop.”One last bit of advice fromDarway: If you don’t have to fly,don’t. “If a class is less than 250miles away, I drive. Besides avoidingthe whole security thing, that allowsme to take a lot of stuff without theworries of weight, rough handling,and the likelihood of triggeringalarms.”Unless, of course, you are goingover a border crossing… but that’sanother story altogether.PAGE 14MED’A CreationsSan Pablo, Californiamedacreations.com510-236-2313Natural & Lab Gemstones,Glass, PMC, Supplies,Classes, & More