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Post by fishenman on Nov 17, 2009 21:20:34 GMT -5
Hi everybody! Here's my first groove wrap pendant. Actually it's the first one I'm willing to take a pic of Oh man, wire work is like nuttin I's ever seen nor done before, it's not easy!! I used 20G DS sterling wire and it's too thin for the groove. I guess I need 18. I didn't polish the metal yet. I did flatten a round piece like Adrains tutorial I cut the groove with a Gryphette grinder, I may be cutting too deep and this cab was cut for a bezel setting so it's thin. Thanks, Geoff
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mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Nov 17, 2009 23:21:08 GMT -5
Not bad!! You are sooo right about it not being easy. It may look easy to anyone that has not tried it. What gets me all riled up is when I am trying to hold the wire at the top and bend it over to make the bail. Way too often I tend to let it slip, and boiinnng! It all comes undone!!lol Don't know what I am gonna do after I pull all the rest of my hair out!
That does look pretty good, keep practicing, soon you will be a pro!
Mike
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Post by tkrueger3 on Nov 17, 2009 23:31:52 GMT -5
Lookin good! I have a grooving bit on an Inland grinder, about the same thing as what you have - it is difficult to cut a uniform depth all the way around, that's for sure! I usually end up with it not quite deep enough. You did a good job on it, though.
Tom
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,786
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Post by adrian65 on Nov 18, 2009 0:04:05 GMT -5
Welcome to the grooving club Geoff! That bail hammered wire, I find it easier to sand and polish just after hammering it, not after finishing the coil. Also pay attention at the final cut of the coil wire, make it obliquely and shorten it a bit such as it won't be visible when you look at the front of the pendant. You're right, the wire is a bit too thin or the groove too wide and too deep. Very neat bail, simetical and smooth. The cab is a beauty. Adrian
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Post by Toad on Nov 18, 2009 7:30:23 GMT -5
Looks pretty good, and love the stone.
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Post by fishenman on Nov 18, 2009 12:57:24 GMT -5
A big thank you to everyone . Your comments will really help, esp. when I want to wrap the wire around my neck Is dead-soft wire correct to use? Maybe half-hard is easier to control? How deep should I cut the groove? I went as deep as the wire and I'm thinking I should go about half as much? So many questions, I'm thankful to have you guys to help. ;D The stone is Graveyard Point plume agate. Geoff
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,786
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Post by adrian65 on Nov 18, 2009 14:35:53 GMT -5
You're right, the groove must be less deep than the wire diameter; 1/2 to 3/4 of the wire diameter would be the best depth of the groove.
I like dead soft wire too, but I think you noticed the hardness change of the wire after hammering the coil wire, didn't you?
Adrian
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Post by frane on Nov 18, 2009 20:13:05 GMT -5
That is just beautiful! Fran
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Post by fishenman on Nov 18, 2009 21:44:10 GMT -5
Thank you Fran. Adrian, I did notice the wire hardened a bit. Can we soften it up with a torch? I cut about 7 with the groove too deep. I will save those for the larger wire and cut some better sized grooves tomorrow.
Thanks, Geoff
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Post by fishenman on Nov 18, 2009 23:16:54 GMT -5
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