Haleysdream
has rocks in the head
K-9 unit Rock Hounds
Member since January 2010
Posts: 654
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Post by Haleysdream on Jan 10, 2010 20:47:30 GMT -5
Hi :help: I'm a newbe to wire wrapping so I have a few questions and comments. First the wire work I see is beautiful. I can only hope to get 1/2 as good as you. My questions are Looks like most of you use square wire right? Rocks that re flat look like they work best?? Do the cabs need to have the groove in the set the wire in a track? Do you ever glue the wire on & if so what type of glue? Thanks so much for any help you can give. Haleysdream
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Post by superioragates on Jan 10, 2010 21:19:00 GMT -5
22 ga. square wire - dead soft is best domed cabs are best, but a flat faced stone will wrap too You do not need a groove in the stone, people use that for that style of wire wrapping I never glue my wire on, but others might, I'm not sure Hope this helps! Practice practice practice, and don't give up....MOST OF ALL.....we wanna see pics!!!! LOL Marie
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Post by akansan on Jan 10, 2010 23:04:37 GMT -5
Hello!
Square is a preference, especially for new wrappers. The wires stack neatly next to each other which helps in wire management at first. You can wrap just as well with round wire, it's just creates a different look and can cause extra frustration if you are new to wrapping.
You can also wrap ANY stone. Flat backed stones are definitely easier to wrap, but you can wrap anything - crystal points, tumbled rocks.... My first wrap ever was a small tumbled stone.
As Marie mentioned, the groove is a style of wrapping. If you are only wanting a thin line of wire that is flush with the stone, the groove is the way to go.
Glue...you can certainly glue wire on to a stone if you'd like, but it'll probably bring another set of headaches all its own. Having enough glue for it to be solidly attached without having glue showing could definitely be a challenge. Epoxy 330 is considered "the" glue for lapidary related items as it does not discolor and is not water soluble. E-6000 is commonly used, but it has been known to release if it gets too wet. Some superglues would probably work as well.
Groove wrapping or border wrapping do not require glue at all - the binding wraps hold the wire solidly in place.
Let us know if you have any more questions!
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Haleysdream
has rocks in the head
K-9 unit Rock Hounds
Member since January 2010
Posts: 654
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Post by Haleysdream on Jan 10, 2010 23:20:36 GMT -5
Thank you for your replys, it has helped already .. I bought 20ga round & am having a hard time. That why when I saw photos of work & most was square I thought I'd ask. Thank you
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Post by sitnwrap on Jan 10, 2010 23:27:10 GMT -5
Also, if you haven't already, check out the tutorial that Bikerrandy posted. It is at the top of this section and has helped many other wrappers.
If you decide to start with sterling silver wire, don't forget to start a scrap bag for the silver and save every little bit because you will be able to swap your scrap for more wire.
I hope you have fun.
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Post by rockmanken on Jan 11, 2010 10:25:47 GMT -5
Most use 22 ga. square wire and 21 or 22 ga. 1/2 round for wrap wire. Monsterslayer and Rio Grande both will buy back your sterling AND gold filled scrap wire. Donna and I just sent in and got $440 credit with rio for our scrap and a couple of old 14kt rings. I personally use 21 ga. square and 18 ga. wrap wire. HALF HARD. Donna uses 22 ga square and 22 ga 1/2 round DEAD SOFT. KEN
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on Jan 11, 2010 12:25:00 GMT -5
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