Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6, Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin. Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder. This all started with a challenge to myself to use tools that I had not used in a LONG time and to use only what I had on hand - mostly wire.

Wire Links 4, 5, 6

by Judy Larson
  • Category: Findings
  • Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques
  • Skill Level: Beginner
This all started with a challenge to myself to use tools that I had not used in a LONG time and to use only what I had on hand - mostly wire.
Over a year ago I made a bunch of boho style links for a bracelet for a friend, and that was the inspiration for the link series that started because I had leftover rings from another design. Here are the first 3 of my series.

Materials

14 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-14H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $13.66
  • Gold Club Price: $10.25
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24 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-24H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.27
  • Gold Club Price: $0.95
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24 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H19-24SM6
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
  • Price: $40.55
  • Gold Club Price: $30.41
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Tools

Silver Solder Paste Medium SS70 - 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.15
  • SOL-822.15
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $18.95
  • Gold Club Price: $14.21
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Wubbers Small Bail Making Pliers
G2-1301
  • G2-1301
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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Wubbers X-Large Round Mandrel Pliers
G2-1304
  • G2-1304
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $35.97
  • Gold Club Price: $26.98
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Wubbers Large Bail Making Pliers
G2-1303
  • G2-1303
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $27.97
  • Gold Club Price: $20.98
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Premium Nylon Jaw Pliers
G2-35
  • G2-35
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
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Solderite Soldering Board 6 Inch by 6 Inch Soft
SOL-421.10
  • SOL-421.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.76
  • Gold Club Price: $11.07
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Magnesia Soldering Block
SOL-455.00
  • SOL-455.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
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Blazer Big Buddy Turbo Torch, Black
TRCH-8010
  • TRCH-8010
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $40.00
  • Gold Club Price: $30.00
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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steel round bezel mandrel
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Single 3rd Hand with Tweezer and Base
HOL-165.00
  • HOL-165.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $18.97
  • Gold Club Price: $14.23
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Steel Bench Block 4x4 Inch - Pack of 1
G17-10
  • G17-10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.95
  • Gold Club Price: $16.46
Out of Stock
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
Out of Stock
10 Piece Diamond Needle Files - 140mm X 3mm
G14-8
  • G14-8
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.57
  • Gold Club Price: $10.18
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WET/DRY PAPER 9 X 11 ASST- 20PC- 2EA GRIT 180-3000
ABR-500.90
  • ABR-500.90
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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Pickle Pot, 16 Ounces
CLN-584.00
  • CLN-584.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $31.95
  • Gold Club Price: $23.96
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NATURE'S TOUCH CITRIC PICKLE, 2LB PLASTIC JAR
CLN-163.00
  • CLN-163.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $17.95
  • Gold Club Price: $13.46
Out of Stock
Thumlers Tumbler Model MP-1 Rock Tumbler Kit
G34-101
  • G34-101
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $119.11
  • Gold Club Price: $89.33
Out of Stock
Stainless Steel Shot--Premium Jewelers Mix - 2 Pounds
TUM-125.02
  • TUM-125.02
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $67.95
  • Gold Club Price: $50.96
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Instructions
Step 1
Read through directions before starting the project.
Link 4 Make twisted wire lengths.
Version A: Twist two wires: Cut a 24"to 36" piece of 20 gauge wire. Fold the wire in half. If parallel jaw pliers to hold the two cut ends of the wire are not available, fuse or solder the ends together to make them easier to hold. Secure the looped end in the drill. Grasp the other end of the wires with pliers. Turn the drill on and twist until the desired tightness of the coil is achieved. Hint: If the wire coil is twisted to tightly, the coil lines will not be very visible. Depending on the tightness of the twist, the twisted wire length will be between 14 and 16 gauge in size. It can be used to make connector jump rings as well as links. It will be easier to coil on a mandrel if it is annealed first.
Version B: To combine the twisted wire with another wire, cut a piece of 14 gauge round wire the length of the finished twisted wire above. Solder both ends together. Anneal the entire unit to make for a smoother twist. Secure the looped end in the drill. Grasp the other end of the wires with pliers. Turn the drill on and twist until the desired tightness of the coil is achieved. This twisted wire can also be used to make connector jump rings as well as links. It will be easier to coil on a mandrel if it is annealed first.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 2
Use either twisted wire version to make a wire coil on the smaller side of a Wubbers Large Round Mandrel Pliers.
Step 3
Cut the coil into jump rings using your preferred method for cutting jump rings.
Step 4
Close the jump rings. Two flat nose pliers or a flat nose and chain nose pliers are usually used to close jump rings. To make sure the twisted wire is not marred, it may be easier to use two inexpensive wide flat nose pliers to close the large jump rings. It is important that the cut ends of each jump ring are perfectly flush or the ring seam will not connect well with solder. Make the rings oval, if needed, to make it easier to make the ends meet flush.
Step 5
Space the rings out a Solderite board. Place a small bit of medium paste solder under each seam and heat until the solder flows.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 6
The ovals can be pulled into a more round shape with round nose pliers and then be shaped on a bezel mandrel using a rubber or plastic mallet. Placing the bezel mandrel with the ring on a rubber block will make it easier to re-round the ring without flattening the outer edge as would happen on a bench block.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 7
If a faceted look is desired, lay the ring on a bench block and hammer the high points flat.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 8
Link 5:
Any size ring can be made into this Mobius link but each link must be made with three rings of the interior diamerer or ID. Make a coil with 16 gauge round wire on the larger side of a Wubbers Large Round Mandrel Pliers and another coil on the smaller side of a Wubbers Large Round Mandrel Pliers. Hint: Consider using twisted square wire for one or two of the rings.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 9
Cut the coils into jump rings using your preferred method for cutting jump rings.
Step 10
Two flat nose pliers or a flat nose and chain nose pliers are usually used to close jump rings. However, it may be easier to use two inexpensive wide flat nose pliers to close the jump rings used here. It is important that the cut ends of each jump ring are perfectly flush or the ring seams will not fuse or connect well with solder. Close one jump ring in each set of three. Open the other two.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 11
Space the closed rings out on a Solderite board. Fuse the ring seams or use a small bit of medium paste solder under each seam and heat until the solder flows.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 12
Hook an open jump ring onto one of the closed rings. Close that jump ring, making sure the seam ends are flush. Place the unit on the edge of the Solderite board as shown, with the seam of the new jump ring facing in toward the Soderite board. Fuse the seam. If soldering, lean the fused/soldered jump ring against the tips of a third hand on a magnesia soldering brick. Place a bit of medium paste solder under the open ring seam. Make sure that the solder join of the original ring is not touching the added ring or they may solder together. Heat until the solder flows. Placing the soldered ring units on a bench block will quickly draw the heat out of the metal to make them quicly ready for the next step.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 13
Each of us will find that we like to position our Mobius rings going in a certain direction. I like my rings to nestle inside each other as shown in the photo. I found that my left-handed students preferred the links to be nestled opposite mine. Whichever way you decide, make ALL Mobius link rings nestle in the same direction. Continuing to do this in the same manner will make it become second nature so you will not have to think about it. Add the third jump ring through the two joined jump rings, going through the jump rings at the "X." Close the jump ring, making sure the seam ends are flush.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 14
Make sure that any solder joins are not touching each other or the added ring or they may solder together. Using one of the set-ups shown, fuse or solder the third jump ring closed.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 15
Nestle the rings together on a Solderite board. Try to hide the fused/soldered seams. If very careful, the rings can be fused together. If notcomfortable doing that, put a small bit of medium paste solder between the fused/soldered seams of each ring and the ring above it. Heat until the solder flows.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 16
Link 6
Version A: On a Solderite board, stack strips of scrap sheet metal, about three layers thick and not too much larger around than the desired finished size of a link. Heat the stacked metal until it starts to pull in on itself. Keep a solder pick handy to move molten metal if needed. Let cool on the Solderite board.
Version B: Up to three jump rings can be stacked, heated and melted to make a ring similar to the one above. A solder pick can move the molten metal around a bit for a more organic look. Let cool on the Solderite board.
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Judy Larson's Wire Links 4, 5, 6 - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, wire links
Step 17
The edge of each ring may be a bit rough. Use heavy duty flush cutters to remove any little pointed bits. Then use files and sanding pads to refine the edge and the back of each link.
Step 18
Now that all the links are made................

Pickle and rinse all the links to remove any fire scale or light discoloration. Rinse and dry.
Use 320, 400, and then 600 grit sandpaper or sanding pads to clean and refine the solder joins where needed.
Tumble in shot, water and a drop of dish liquid for several hours.

Remove the links from the tumbler and rinse. If the all the parts of each piece are still attached, the solder joins are likely permanent. If not, the old solder should be filed off and the pieces soldered together again.
Pro Tip: Wait to patina until all the links are connected in the desired manner.