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Post by superioragates on Jan 6, 2010 10:06:40 GMT -5
I am just wondering if anyone has ever used stainless steel wire for wrapping? How does it handle? Does it make good jewelry pieces? What does it look like? etc etc etc I know it is naturally hypoallergenic, but are there other pros and cons? Thanks Marie modified - changed the title so others looking for an answer to this question can find it easier!
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Post by rockmanken on Jan 6, 2010 10:41:27 GMT -5
It is harder than half hard silver or gold filled. Does NOT tarnish. Good luck. Ken
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Post by superioragates on Jan 6, 2010 11:04:08 GMT -5
so, does that make it too hard to work with in wire wrapping? I am looking for an alternative to silver/gold, cuz I just cannot pay those prices. Also I like the fact that it is hypoallergenic, but I wanna make sure I can work with it b-4 buying it...ya know?
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damammy
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2009
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Post by damammy on Jan 6, 2010 12:57:26 GMT -5
I believe Shannon works with it, (weeshan) She mentioned she used it for some chain things she does. Donna
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Mudshark
fully equipped rock polisher
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock. Will Rogers
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,083
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Post by Mudshark on Jan 6, 2010 18:41:07 GMT -5
Marie,I just started learning to do groove wraps with copper.I have a bunch of stainless wire that looks to be about 20ga.Like Ken said it's a little on the stiff side but I think you could wrap with it.If you want to try some pm me.
Mike
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 21:58:15 GMT -5
No way......I work with a TON of stainless on my chain mail jewelry. Its my favorite metal to work with due to the fact that its maintenance free. It requires no polishing, can be worn in the shower etc. However, its a pain to work with. Steel is the hardest metal I use. Even tiny 24 gauge is harder to work with than 20 gauge in anything else. Its also very hard on your tools. You have to keep separate sets of pliers and cutters for steel because it will cause nicks in your tools. In addition, steel is also the only metal that I have to use pliers with teeth in order to get a good grip.
I love your idea Marie and stainless is my favorite. However, if you dont have carpal tunnel or tendonitis now, you will soon after using steel to wrap. Its absolutely possible, I just dont think it would be fun for very long (if at all).
Also, some people are allergic to stainless, me included. I can wear it on my neck or hands but absolutely cannot wear it in any of my body piercings so keep that in mind if you ever decide to make earrings with it.
Shannon
PS-I hand coil all of my jump rings and have been "bit" by steel more times than I'd like to admit. If you lose your grip while coiling, the springback causes the wire to spin around the mandrel and will slice you open like nothing..........even the tiny stuff!
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Post by superioragates on Jan 6, 2010 22:08:41 GMT -5
Ok....well...I guess it's a no go. Mudshark, thanks for the offer, but I think I'm gonna stick to what I know is working, especially after reading Shan's post. Thanks for the input everyone I appreciate it! Marie
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 22:26:52 GMT -5
Marie,
If you dont want to use plain craft wire, you could always go with silver and gold plated instead of filled. No, they wont be heirloom pieces that can last a lifetime like gold and silver filled wire jewelry but its an economical solution, especially if you plan on selling pieces with a budget price.
Shan
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Post by superioragates on Jan 6, 2010 22:49:35 GMT -5
Shan - This silver wire I am using now, is silver plated. I know you suggested I NOT buy it, but I wanna keep wrapping.....so I DID listen to you, I just had to find a solution to the horendous cost of better wire. I wasn't blowing you off in any way, so I hope that isn't what you think, I just had no choice. This is pretty decent stuff to work with, and I haven't had a lot of problems with it peeling off or anything while I am working it, so I guess until things are better financially, or the price of the better stuff goes down...this is what I will do. It's still pretty, shiny, strong, and....it keeps me a wrappin!! LOL Thanks again.....I DO appreciate the advice!!! Marie
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 23:44:13 GMT -5
Marie, Of course I dont think that!!!!!! I totally understand about the cost of wire. We get caught between wanting to make high quality items and wanting to keep our supply cost at a minimum. Its a tough call. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide. Shan
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