Bell makers produce and maintain bells, either by casting them in a foundry or shaping them for brass instruments. They require knowledge of metalworking and music, and can learn through apprenticeships or college classes. Bell making is a specialized career pursued by those interested in music and metalworking, with opportunities to work for companies or start their own businesses.
A bellmaker is someone who produces bells. Typically, bell makers also maintain and tune the bells, applying their expertise to those bells that need assistance to perform at their peak level. People usually learn this work through apprenticeship to an experienced bell ringer, although there are some college classes that can be useful for a bell prospector. People who work with bells need a deep understanding of brass and music to produce high quality instruments.
This term is actually used in two different senses. One type of bell maker is someone who works in a foundry, casting bells like the ones that hang from church steeples. Other bell makers are responsible for making the bells of brass instruments. These professionals work with sheet metal that is cast to shape rather than shaped like a church bell. Each job requires slightly different skills.
For bell makers casting their bells in a foundry, knowledge of foundry operations is essential. The bell maker works with liquid metals and molds to mold bells to the desired size and shape, then uses special tools to polish and fit them. This type of work is hot and extremely dirty. In addition to working in the foundry, the bell maker can also install bells, perform maintenance on existing bells, and restore historic bells.
Bell makers who work in the production of metal instruments do not have working conditions as dangerous as those in a foundry, but their work involves working with sharp tools and corrosive chemicals. The bell maker must have an excellent working knowledge of metal instruments to create a bell of the desired size and shape. In addition to making new bells, a bell maker who works in brass instruments can provide maintenance and repair services for people with instruments that need work.
Careers in bell making tend to be pursued by people interested in music and/or metalworking. Bell making is a specialty and someone with a lot of skill and experience can ask for very high fees for services. One of the best ways to gain experience is to work for a reputable company that rings bells or makes wind instruments. With experience, the bell maker may eventually start their own business or choose to remain employed by a company and rise through the ranks to become a senior employee.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
