Rogue Trader
freely admits to licking rocks
"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there."
Member since December 2008
Posts: 839
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Post by Rogue Trader on Dec 24, 2008 4:13:20 GMT -5
All you experianced wrappers out there. What type of wire did you use to start learning/practicing with? Would the wire from household wiring cable be OK to learn with? I mean the single strand copper wire in a 3 core insulated single sleeve cable. I have about 300m of this cable in the garage, so there is over 900m to practice with. www.cybermarket.co.uk/ishop/923/shopscr2721.html
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Dec 24, 2008 7:54:40 GMT -5
That stuff is really thick, your better of with telephone wire or CAT5 computer wire.
You want to practice with the same thing your going to be using.
Very flexible copper would be dead soft, wire used for electronic circuit board jumpers may be half hard (buy from an electronics shop (Radio Shack here)). Multi-core appliance cords (normal electric power cords are too small, but the plug from a water heater (and sometimes kitchen stoves) may be usable.
You can order magnet wire (it's used for making coils) in most any size and some degrees of hardness too.
Or you could use the stuff you have and just make really big cabs ;D
Dr Joe
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Sparky
starting to spend too much on rocks
Still diggin'...
Member since October 2007
Posts: 147
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Post by Sparky on Dec 24, 2008 8:21:56 GMT -5
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Post by Bejewelme on Dec 24, 2008 8:23:37 GMT -5
Rogue: I sell electrical goods, and believe me I look at all kinds of wire, and Dr. Jo is right the cooper is too hard and big to really learn to wrap. Buy some craft wire in different gauges, then when you are comfortable get some good stuff to use. Use stones you are not real in love with at first, and then even the craft wire doesn't look too bad on them. Good luck to you, I still throw tantrums trying to wrap, so I let my honey do the wrapping!!! Amber
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Post by Tonyterner on Dec 24, 2008 8:46:42 GMT -5
I bought some copper wire just for wrapping and found it to be too soft to get good curves. I started with what's called craft wire. I think its a copper core with a silver colored metal coating. Its hardness is similar to dead soft silver and its cheap.
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Post by sitnwrap on Dec 24, 2008 9:46:01 GMT -5
Use the tutorials to learn and take the advice of all above. I did it the hard way. bought myself 24 gauge silver coated dead soft round and just started twisting. Took me two years to teach myself how to wrap good and proper and wasted a lot of good silver doing it.
When you do start wrapping, remember to use a light but firm hand with the pliers when twisting and bending. I found often times my tight grip on the wire marked the silver and holding it that tightly wasn't necessary.
I wish you luck and above all, have fun.
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Dec 24, 2008 11:27:39 GMT -5
I just started also so I don't know too much, but the 15A wire your link shows is too thick. I tried using about the same stuff a little while back. I am presently using craft wire that I got at Walmart for about $3.50 for a good size roll. Try some of that stuff its cheap and seems to work. Only problem is it only comes in round.
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Post by akansan on Dec 24, 2008 11:45:39 GMT -5
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Post by Tonyterner on Dec 24, 2008 12:26:58 GMT -5
Ronda, I found copper wire to be much softer than the silver and gold filled wire I use now. I guess all wire is not created equal.
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Post by akansan on Dec 24, 2008 13:12:58 GMT -5
Interesting, Tony! Just out of curiousity - was it square copper wire or round?
You'll also find that depending on your wire source, dead soft means a lot of different things. I had been using a supplier on ebay for my wire, and dead soft to them meant pretty close to half-hard. Where are you getting your silver and gold-filled from these days?
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Post by frane on Dec 24, 2008 15:24:16 GMT -5
I still haven't ordered the good stuff except copper wire, but I have been using the craft wire from the store. It is harder than the stuff you get on line so at least your fingers will be broken in when you do get the good stuff. I did learn not to get memory wire...Yikes, that is a mistake as it will not wrap for you. Fran
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 24, 2008 23:35:36 GMT -5
I tought myself using brass wire from Bernies lapidary. I recommend 20 gauge wire for staring out, and for the binding wraps use 22 gauge.
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Simon
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2009
Posts: 352
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Post by Simon on Dec 25, 2008 6:10:36 GMT -5
wires.co.uk/index.html they'll supply all you need get brass and copper to start with silver's on the steep side to waste. Simon
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