sherry
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2006
Posts: 102
|
Post by sherry on Mar 4, 2006 16:52:26 GMT -5
1. What is the proper technique for holding two or more pieces of wire while you try to wrap a shorter piece of wire around them to hold them together? Like when you need to bind them together at the bottom of the stone before you start to wrap it? I can't seem to comfortably hold the pieces of wire with one hand, and wrap the binding wire with the other even when I use a pair of chain nose pliers to do it. I usually end up just making several loose loops around the wire, and then tightening them up with the chain nose pliers. Gotta be a better way!
2. Is there a way to prevent the pliers from making dig and gouge marks in the wire?
Thanks in advance!
|
|
|
|
Post by Cher on Mar 4, 2006 18:24:26 GMT -5
Tape them together first, then put the binding wrap on. As far as plier marks, you do have smooth jawed pliers right? Next make sure that the edges of the jaws are very smooth, take a fine file and file the edges. You can also try putting some electrical tape over them but it's really best if you make sure they are smooth. Also, use them as little as possible.
|
|
|
|
Post by sandsman1 on Mar 5, 2006 2:37:51 GMT -5
sherry
if you remind me when i get to kims doc showed me a small clamp that he uses to get the first wrap around the wires ill get a pic of it and maybe you can find one or something close i think i payed like a buck a piece at the market or maybe two im not sure but it was cheap and it works great it has big rubber heads on the ends so it wont mark up the wire
and doc also showed me that if ya take some fin sand paper and draw the hed of the plyers through the paper it will take off the sharp edges it takes alittle wile but it does work and there done for ever--- or till you buy a new set haha
|
|
|
|
Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Mar 5, 2006 3:08:15 GMT -5
Hi.
I used a Dimond file to take the edge off & as the pliers are tempered to very hard (as hard as a steel File) I find this type of file works well you can also use a grit grinding stick or a little Dremel grinding wheel.
make sure you get a good 1/32" off nicely round
Incedently in USA there is some rubber stuf you can buy to dip the plyers Jaws in I dont know what it is called .
I use a pair of pliers (in my left Hand) while binding the wires together
Jack
Yorkshire UK
|
|
spacemanspliff
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2006
Posts: 171
|
Post by spacemanspliff on Mar 5, 2006 7:30:33 GMT -5
The rubber dip is called Plasti-Dip.
Peace, SSSSpaceman SSSpliff
|
|
drupe
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2005
Posts: 1,245
|
Post by drupe on Mar 5, 2006 9:16:14 GMT -5
Does anyone know where you can buy Plastic-Dip?
Thanks,
Pete
|
|
spacemanspliff
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2006
Posts: 171
|
Post by spacemanspliff on Mar 5, 2006 9:38:14 GMT -5
I have seen it at Home Depot, WalMart all aver it should be in the paint section.
Peace, SSSSpaceman SSSpliff
|
|
sherry
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2006
Posts: 102
|
Post by sherry on Mar 5, 2006 17:44:06 GMT -5
My husband brought some of that stuff home from work one time, and I had a ball dipping stuff! It was alot of fun!
I did four wraps yesterday and cut the hell out of my thumb. Maybe I should plastigoop my fingers too. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Cher on Mar 5, 2006 20:23:17 GMT -5
Ooooooo ouch, how'd you cut your thumb?
|
|
aunuts
fully equipped rock polisher
Some days are gold, some are rocks. Either is cool.
Member since March 2006
Posts: 1,110
|
Post by aunuts on Mar 10, 2006 21:48:59 GMT -5
I second the suggestion about taping the wire bundle before wrapping. I use at least 4 pieces - one at each end & a couple in the middle. Quilting tape seems to work the best - it doesn't leave a residue. It's really narrow, about 1/8" - 1/4". Acetone takes any residue off. Also ink from the Sharpie I use to mark my bundle so I know where to put my wraps. Have fun.
Jo
|
|
kjohn0102
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2006
Posts: 774
|
Post by kjohn0102 on Apr 6, 2006 11:45:20 GMT -5
I use A LOT of tape! I've tried using clamps and can't seem to handle them-too much equipment. I use low-tac painters tape to cut down on goo on wire and stones. When I'm wrapping the bail, I even tape the stone in place. I'm going to try filing my pliers, but have also looked at "Tool Magic" tool coat here www.thebeadfactory.com/shopping/tool_magic.html |
|
