lsmike
spending too much on rocks
Maxwell's demon lowers tumbling entropy
Member since January 2007
Posts: 468
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Post by lsmike on Jun 16, 2008 11:29:52 GMT -5
I saw this in a chainmaille book.You can certainly twist by hand,but this motorised way works nicely too. Use a power screwdriver-not a drill,too much power-with a Jacobs chuck.Fold the wire in half,firmly screw the loose ends into the chuck,hold the loopend with pliers and spin at the lowest speed.Be carefull when you release the pliers-tension has been built and the wire will whip! The drivers come with a hex fitting so you will need a Jacobs that adapts.I have seen these on the web for about 10 bucks.I got mine at Home Depot.It was made for an impact driver but fits the screwdriver. You can also use two [maybe more?] lenghts of different colored wire-tape the ends for a better grip. This can also be used to make coils to cut jumprings.Drill a hole in a metal mandril[rod] to put the wire through and bend it around to hold it.use a thumb to guide the wire as you spin the drill.A simple jig would be helpful.ZUse a baseboard with two ""risers" with holes for the rod.Place te screwdriver outside one riser and go. Of course,these methods would also work with an inexpensive hand drill. I really like the look of twisted wire and this seems an easier way to go.Waddaya think?Mike.
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lsmike
spending too much on rocks
Maxwell's demon lowers tumbling entropy
Member since January 2007
Posts: 468
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Post by lsmike on Jun 16, 2008 11:37:38 GMT -5
Oops,P.S.,if you are handy you might be able to dispense wth the Jacobs by attaching the mandril to a hex bit.Tack it or superglue?Mike
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Post by Jurrasic Jonje on Jun 16, 2008 16:03:32 GMT -5
I twist my wire with a ryobi 12v cordless drill never had a problem.
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lsmike
spending too much on rocks
Maxwell's demon lowers tumbling entropy
Member since January 2007
Posts: 468
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Post by lsmike on Jun 16, 2008 18:01:57 GMT -5
Jonje:The book I read said not to,but maybe on low speed it's o.k.? I have seen videos of people doing this making coils for heavy-duty rings for chainmaille using a 1/2 inch drill!Mike.
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Post by rocklicker on Jun 16, 2008 18:18:23 GMT -5
I prefer the hand technique. A mandrell rolled across the arm of the couch or my leg works fine, but I don't do a lot of twisting. Steve
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Post by rocklicker on Jun 16, 2008 18:20:08 GMT -5
Now you got me thinking. Sounds like the twisting would be a lot more even with a mandrell and something motorized. Great idea I will have to try! Steve
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Post by creativeminded on Jun 17, 2008 8:56:38 GMT -5
I use a cordless drill and am able to control the speed. The nice thing about the drill is it sits on the table so I have a stable surface. it is the same drill that I use to make my jump rings for my chainmail. Tami
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lsmike
spending too much on rocks
Maxwell's demon lowers tumbling entropy
Member since January 2007
Posts: 468
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Post by lsmike on Jun 17, 2008 13:38:14 GMT -5
Steve: the wire I've twisted has had very even twist,but I haven't done it by hand to compare.It's easy to stop,look and zap again if not satisfied.Mike.
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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 Jun 19, 2008 12:59:45 GMT -5
I still like it the old fashion way by hand. It takes longer but I have more control especially working with intricate designs and tight places
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