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Forging Wire

by Dale Armstrong
Question:

Dale, what do you mean when you say "forged" wire?

Question:

I'm wondering why anyone forges wire.

Question:

I have recently been learning to forge wire and wondered if you can also forge gold filled wire?
Instructions
Answer to what is "Forged":

In wire jewelry, "forged" wire means wire that's been hammered or beaten to achieve a desired effect.

For example, using a chasing hammer and bench block on heavy round wire stretches, hardens, and shapes it ideal for turning soft wire into solid shapes like cuff bracelets.

Using an embossing hammer not only forges the wire but also adds texture.

For more information, please see our discussion: Forging Copper Wire
Answer to "Why to Forge":

Wire jewelry makers forge wire to shape, stretch, and harden the metal.

For example, when making ear wires from 20g round wire, after shaping, the part that goes through the ear can be forged with a chasing hammer. This flattens the wire, adds an artistic touch, and hardens it to help prevent slipping.

For heavier gauges like 14 or 12, soft wire is easier to work with. Forging shapes and hardens the design.

One example is a set made from 14g square, dead soft wire shaped and then forged with a chasing hammer. Hammering slightly stretches the metal, causing a subtle rise that adds dimension. Some people pound it flat by flipping the piece, but here the rise enhances the design.

To experiment with forging, you'll need a chasing hammer, steel anvil or bench block, and copper wire for practice.

A tip: my upcoming Intermediate DVD series includes a project introducing forging.

Always wear eye protection glasses, safety goggles, or optivisors while forging!
Answer to "Forging Gold Filled":

'To forge' means to create and shape by hammering.

Yes you can safely and successfully forge gold-filled wire.

My students and I do so, quite often.

The gold sheath on gold-filled wire will not come off; however any wire that is plated cannot be forged.

Answers contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

Copper Wire
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Assorted wire options
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Tools

Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face
G3-27
  • G3-27
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.95
  • Gold Club Price: $10.46
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Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
  • DAP-500.30
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  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
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Premium Double Horn Anvil
G17-8
  • G17-8
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  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.97
  • Gold Club Price: $16.48
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Safety Glasses
G21-1
  • G21-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Price: $2.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.23
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Forging

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