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Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 12, 2009 18:14:59 GMT -5
Is it a general rule of thumb to use square wire with the round wire for all wrappings?
I finally went out today and picked up some (inexpensive) copper and steel wire but they are both round. Depending on how well I do with this wire, I will go through the threads and look for the best place to get better wire ... gold ... silver.
I received a wonderful box earlier this week and in it is the most beautiful cab (sorry ... the name of the stone eludes me right now ... so I have to wait until I get home from work). So I am going to try to work with that as the only other finished stones I have are not cab, but many different shapes and sizes.
As always my humble thanks for all the help.
Julie
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Post by akansan on Feb 12, 2009 18:27:47 GMT -5
Square wire is easier to learn on, as the wires stack neatly against each other. I use round wire if I'm wanting a daintier look. Half-round wire is always easier to do the binding wraps, as it brings the whole wrap up closer to the stone.
That being said, I think many of us learned using round wire. Learning using round wire sure makes you appreciate square wire when you start using it!
Hope that helps!
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Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 12, 2009 19:13:09 GMT -5
Yes ... thank you .... it helped a lot.
Round wire is kind of like training wheels for the wrapper. ;D
Thanks again for the help!
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kjohn0102
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2006
Posts: 774
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Post by kjohn0102 on Feb 13, 2009 16:36:18 GMT -5
Hi Julie-yes practice on cheap round wire-but square is where you'll want to go for the "real stuff" In addition to what Akansan has mentioned about neatness, you can also twist the single square wire. You can also get square copper wire cheap, then you'll get the feel of working with square.
Have fun! kj
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Post by akansan on Feb 13, 2009 16:55:52 GMT -5
I'd say learning on round is more like learning with one hand tied behind your back then learning with training wheels. It often causes more headaches and stress then learning with square wire. I mentioned that many of learned on round simply to prove it CAN be done...but it's probably not the easiest route.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Feb 13, 2009 17:36:15 GMT -5
I learned on round wire, it's the only wire that Micheals sells. lol..... I do all of my wraps with square wire and for the binds I just started using half-round today. The square wire is not only easy to use, but it looks alot better and you can twist it really easy with a cordless drill. I use gold filled. For the square wire I use 22 gauge dead-soft from Rio Grande, and for the half-round I use 21 gauge half-hard.
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Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 13, 2009 18:16:34 GMT -5
Thanks for all this great information!!!
I received a very special package with a batch of 15-20 cabs ready made ... now that I have the wire, I can try to work with them.
Since my tumblers are pretty much on their own for the next week or so ... I have plenty of time to play.
Again .... thanks to all of you for input and help!!!
Julie
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hkswrapsody
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 109
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Post by hkswrapsody on Feb 13, 2009 19:30:18 GMT -5
Square wire with half round wire for wrapping will give you nice clean tight binding and edges. It is great for framing your stone. Round wire in my experience is best utilized in coiling and weaving techniques which seem to be gaining popularity lately. As well be aware of the hardness of your wire. Dead soft wire is great for sculpting, coiling and weaving in pendants and earrings. Half hard is better utilized in rings and ear wires where shape retention is more important.
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Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 16, 2009 19:13:50 GMT -5
Okay .... found my post ...
Have you ever had one of those days that if you DID have brains ...
You'de be dangerous?!! ;D
Julie
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Post by Bikerrandy on Feb 16, 2009 21:20:11 GMT -5
I have brains. I just forgot where the switch is.
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