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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 13, 2017 11:49:51 GMT -5
I'm no expert by any means, but what I would do is make the wire a bit smaller, making sure that the ends meet, and then hammer. Hammering will always stretch out the metal. So, you will have to bend it back to shape a little bit, carefully aligning the ends, then it should be a very close fit. Alternatively, you could file the wire flatter as someone already said. That way you won't have to fiddle with the ends once you get them right. You will just have to polish out the file marks with finer files and/or sandpaper. Oh yeah- when you cut your wire to length, leave a little extra to be able to get the ends to meet. One end of one of the wires will have to be a hair longer to meet the other end. If that made any sense.
I say all this as a novice. You will probably get better advice from one of the pros. But, it's something to think about.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Jun 13, 2017 13:15:35 GMT -5
I also could not figure out how to solder the twisted wire together so that the twists all lined up, hence putting the ends on the bottom point and putting silver balls on top of it. Any hints on that? A tighter twist will make it easier to match the ends, as will soldering the twisted wire on a straight or slightly curved section rather than at a point. Your ring is wonderful and puts my very first to shame.
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Post by radio on Jun 13, 2017 18:23:50 GMT -5
The best way to twist wire is with a drill. Corded or cordless doesn't matter except cordless are easier to manipulate. wrap a bit of masking tape around the ends of the wire, place in drill and tighten the chuck. A pair of Vise grips works great to hold the other end as regular pliers will require a LOT of strength to keep the wire from slipping out of the jaws. One can do this alone, but for some, a partner is a big help. You must hold a good bit of tension on the wires as you operate the drill or the results will not be all that good. Use a medium slow speed and twist until you reach the desired effect. I prefer a really tight twist, but others do not. If one wire is in the drill and pliers looser than the other, it will create a gap in the twist at some point in the operation, so an effort should be made to not have one with slack in it. This works with all gauges of wire, but I prefer dead soft and rarely use half hard wire.
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Post by pghram on Jun 14, 2017 19:04:32 GMT -5
Can't believe it's your first!
Peace, Rich
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jun 17, 2017 10:40:38 GMT -5
I can't wait to make another one and I'm gonna go ahead and thank you guys in advance for answering questions and helping me. Ask anything! Happy to give advice and encouragement. You're doing great so far!
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