Kate Richbourg's Top Ten Tips Part one
Kate Richbourg's Top Ten Tips for working with wire!
(You get the first 5 here and next 5 in Part 2 next week)
(You get the first 5 here and next 5 in Part 2 next week)
I love working with wire. It's the perfect medium for a variety of projects large and small. The simplest bead can be transformed into a fancy drop or component with just a bit of wire adornment. This year one of my resolutions is to work more with this versatile material. I do so much soldering and metalwork in my jewelry making that sometimes I forget that WIRE is almost instant gratification. Since the old adage is true, "The right tool for the right job makes everything easier" I wanted to share my top tips and tool choices to make your wirework as easy and as fun as possible. Have fun and go forth and WIRE IT UP!!
1. My top piece of advice about wrangling your wire is from my book Simple Soldering, "Never let the wire see your fear. That alone will keep those coils in line." Remember, you are in charge of your wire destiny! Confidence and a "can-do-it" attitude is half the battle!
2. When in doubt, make twisted wire. I love to make a twisted piece of wire from a long piece of 18-gauge wire. Loop the wire around a sturdy hook (I have a hook screwed into my worktable just for this purpose) place the ends in the wire twister pull so the wire is taut and press the button. In a few seconds you have a nice, evenly twisted length of wire to use for jump rings or chain links.
3. Measure twice, cut once. And make sure you cut once with a good, sturdy flush cutter. I like these Xuron cutters. I use them to cut up to 10-gauge SOFT wire (copper, sterling silver, brass, gold filled.) Seriously. Mine have been in heavy use for several years and I still get a good, clean flush cut every time.
4. Bent, twisted and kinked wire is just sad. Plus it makes it hard to string beads on when wrapping. Run a wire-straightening plier over your bent wire and you'll be ready to wrap!
5. A smooth and shiny bench block is the perfect thing to use when hammering wire flat. I like to hammer the end ΒΌ" or so of 20-gauge wire to make a simple paddle head-pin. The bench block helper is the perfect hard surface for hammering. I show you all about it in this product video (coming soon).
Materials
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Tools
3.6 Volt Automatic Wire Twister (Cordless Screwdriver)
G5-15
- G5-15
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $42.97
- Gold Club Price: $32.23
5 1/2 Inch Nylon Flat Jaw Pliers with Replacement Jaws
G2-1
- G2-1
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $9.97
- Gold Club Price: $7.48
Xuron Flush Cutter - Pack of 1
G2-504
- G2-504
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
- DAP-500.30
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): Cutting, Dapping, Tools, Twisting, General Education
Kate Richbourg
Other Articles by Kate Richbourg
Kate Richbourg's Top Ten Tips Part one
Kate Richbourg's Top Ten Tips Part Two
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