Wire question....

[phil]

In general, how many feet of wire is used to make a single pendant?
I know that's a tough question, but there have to be averages. I'm going to order some wire, so I need to know how to figure my quantities...

Thanks!

[susand24224]

How big is the stone you want to wrap?

(Trying to help but failing miserably)

Susan

[NatureNut]

Susan is right, the length of wire can be adjusted for the size of the cab so as not to waste too much (always save silver and gold wire clipping separately in a sealed baggie to sell back as scrap and get credit for more wire). If you are following Randy's tutorial, he uses one 9" and two 11" lengths of wire. Then there is the binding wire on top of that, which is usually a different wire (half round). Jo

[susand24224]

Okay, I've thought this through now and can do a little better. I am going to assume that you want to do a "Bikerrandy" style wrap. Wrap a piece of tape around the outside of the stone. Take the tape off and measure it. Add anywhere from an inch to two inches for the bail (maybe even three)--depending on how high you want it to "stick up" over the stone. Add these inches to the "tape inches." If you want two wires around the outside of the stone, double the bail + tape measurement. If you want three wires, triple it.

Now, if you like things nice and simple, you have enough to wrap the cab with a little decoration at the top with the extra you added for the bail (you only need two or three of your wire ends for the bail and the rest are available for "whatever." ) If you want to add flourishes, add enough inches to accomplish the flourish.

Now, if this were me, I'd double this measurement to make up for the first one that I scrap and either cursing or mumbling toss into the trash. This is a personal choice.

Don't forget the half-round. (2-6 inches per bind, depending upon size of stone and personal taste).

Now there are many, many ways to wrap a stone. My personal preference is Bikerrandy's method, although I do some different stuff with the bindings and wires that are bent to hold the stone. Some of the other methods take more wire, some less, and I am sure there are many methods which I haven't even seen. It might be best, though, for your first, to go with the tried and true method.

Susan

[Bikerrandy]

I've changed my style a bit. I now use (3) 7 inch lengths, and a 6 inch length of half round. When the wrap is finished, there's usually less than an inch of waist. With a 50 foot roll of square wire, I can do between 28 and 30 wraps. A 50 foot roll of half round lasts me a very long time.

[amyk]

I usually measure the length around a cab, then multiply that by 2 1/2 to 3 times. Then I make 3 square wires that length and also some half round, about 6 inches for the bail wrap and about 6 to 8 inches for the other wraps.

This gives me plenty for fancy stuff at the top and doesn't waste too much.

Hope that helps.

[phil]

"With a 50 foot roll of square wire, I can do between 28 and 30 wraps."


Thanks. That's the general answer I needed. Now I know I don't have to buy several hundred feet. That can get expensive!

[Bikerrandy]

Yeah, but none will ever go to waste if you're motivated enough to go through several hundred feet. ;D

[drocknut]

I have learned to order twice the amount of square wire than 1/2 round wire. You use way more square to do the wrapping.
I tend to wrap on the fly, so to speak. I really let the stone decide how much wire I use on it. I don't know how Randy does it with only 7" but I generally use between 9" and 12" depending on the cab and what I'm thinking about doing with the swirls. Sometimes I judge wrong but heck I can always add another swirl or save the leftover wire for selling back as scrap. I know that doesn't help much but thought I'd add another perspective for you.