This video shows a sofer writing a sefer Torah. This sofer has a good hand, writes at a nice pace, and can ask a decent price. But one can also tell how the sefer Torah industry has commercialised the process, allowing for better productivity.
Note the following:
1) The sofer is writing on a light table, which means he does not have to worry about planning the spacing and can just trace over the letters. This saves a lot of time. This also minimises mistakes and saves time of repairs.
2) The quill is a plastic kulmos with a repository, which means you need to dip it into the ink every few lines instead of every few letters. Also you do not need to sharpen it and make new quills. Both of these save time.
3) The klaf today is more refined and smooth, easier to write on. Not uneven and rough like the old days. I'm sure lots of "mei klaf" is added. This enhances writing speed and quality of writing.
4) Double sirtut. Again this enhances quality and neatness.
5) The tagin / …
Sanding Batim ie leather dust is OK.
ReplyDeleteThe paint is dangerous. Use outside or in a well ventilated area, and try to get a face mask if you can
Only thing I would add is to make sure you get a painting mask with a filter that keeps out fumes. A lot of masks are only rated for dust but you can get a painter's mask at any Home Depot in the US.
DeleteIs it dangerous to store the paint in a close tin which is itself in a closed plastic container - in ones house?
ReplyDeleteNo. If it's sealed it's ok. I would obviously keep out of reach of children
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