A bell maker is a person who manufactures bells. Bell makers typically also maintain and tune bells, applying their knowledge to bells that require some assistance to perform at their best. Although some college classes may be useful for a prospective bell maker, most people learn this job working as an apprentice to an experienced bell maker. Working with bells necessitates a thorough understanding of metals and music in order to produce high-quality instruments.
This term can be taken in two different ways. Someone who works in a foundry, casting bells such as those found in church steeples, is one type of bell maker. Other bell makers are in charge of making brass instrument bells. Rather than being cast like a church bell, these professionals work with sheet metal that is beaten into shape. Each job necessitates a slightly different set of abilities.
Knowledge of foundry operations is essential for bell makers who cast their bells in a foundry. The bell maker uses liquid metals and molds to cast bells of a specific size and shape, then polishes and tunes them with special tools. This type of work is both hot and filthy. A bell maker may also install bells, perform maintenance on existing bells, and restore historic bells in addition to working in the foundry.
Working conditions for bell makers in the production of brass instruments are not as hazardous as those in a foundry, but they do involve working with sharp tools and corrosive chemicals. To make a bell of the desired size and shape, the bell maker must have a thorough understanding of brass instruments. A bell maker who works with brass instruments can provide maintenance and repair services for people who have instruments that need work in addition to making new bells.
People who are interested in music and/or metalworking are likely to pursue careers in bell making. Bell making is a specialized trade, and someone with a high level of skill and experience may be able to charge exorbitant fees for their services. Working for a reputable firm that casts bells or manufactures brass instruments is one of the best ways to gain experience. With enough experience, a bell maker can either start his or her own business or stay with a company and work their way up the ranks to become a senior employee.