mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Nov 30, 2009 22:21:49 GMT -5
This is blue tiger eye, and it only took me all day to wrap it! whew, I am gonna have to get faster at this if I am going to do more. (which I will!) One question I have, is how long did it take you to wrap your first stones? I used all 22ga half hard SS square and round. I am not too happy with the top, it came out too bulky I believe. Eventually I will probably redo it, once I get a little better at it. Maybe I should have used only 4 square wires. Or something. The tutorial I followed said to use 16 ga for the bail wrap. That would have been too much in this case, I am sure. Any helpful feedback would be great, tips, etc! The front: The side: And, the back: Thanks a whole bunch to kap for the stone! It is some really pretty stuff. Mike
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Post by superioragates on Nov 30, 2009 22:57:10 GMT -5
You should try it with only 3 wires, much easier to do the bail with. The suggestions I was given was to use 22 gauge square dead soft for the wrap. I currently use 24 gauge for all bindings, and of course 22 gauge for the wrap. I think most of the wrap looks good, w/ exception to the bail and bail binding. I have never used 1/2 hard wire, but I would think it would be a little harder to work with. My first wraps took me forever, don't feel alone!! LOL
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Post by tkrueger3 on Nov 30, 2009 23:01:37 GMT -5
Mike, I think that you've done quite a splendid job on this one, especially if it's your first one. My first one took about 5 hours, with Randy's tutorial printed out and opened in front of me, following every step faithfully.
As far as the bulkiness of the bindings - if you use half-round instead of full-round, the bindings will get much more "lithe" looking. And will be easier to do, as well, I think.
The number of wires in the wrap is only important, far as I can tell, for getting the "look" you're after. I've been doing a lot of them using only 2 wires. I still do 3-wire wraps, though. I vary them up, sometimes using 2 normal square wires and one twisted square wire in the middle, or perhaps 1 square wire and 2 twisted ones or 2 twisted 1/2-round wires on either side of it. I think the rule is - if it feels right, do it!
You're doing great, Mike - keep at it!
Tom
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Post by rockmanken on Nov 30, 2009 23:01:52 GMT -5
That is really great for your first wrap. The 22 ga. square is OK. For your wrap wires you should be using 1/2 round 22 ga. It will fit tighter to the stone than round. You did a super job anyway. Keep up the good work. You will get better and a lot faster. Ken
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Post by Bejewelme on Dec 1, 2009 9:43:23 GMT -5
Mike: I really like it, Lori always wraps with a lot of wires and I love her wraps!!!! I think it was an excellent job and you should be very proud of yourself!!!! Amber
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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 Dec 1, 2009 10:01:25 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with using as many wires as you want. I mostly use atleast 4 wires for a secure setting. (depends on the thickness of the stone) You have done a GREAT job on the setting...the bail is always the hardest. I use 18 gauge half-round on my bails. It holds the wires together better IMHO. I will use 20 gauge half-round to hold the bail wires if I am wrapping a small stone and using 22 gauge wire for the setting.
There is no right or wrong in wrapping as long as the stone is secure. ;D
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Post by Larry on Dec 1, 2009 12:39:04 GMT -5
Some tips from my experiences...
Use a few more times around for your side binding wire sections. Each of your side binds are only 2 times around, which doesn't keep the wire stable enough and ends up with the loose bind look. I like to do a minimum of 4-5 times around for each bind, which makes it nice and tight.
I know people don't like using too many wires but I honestly think part of the reason is not knowing what to do with all of those wires at the top. Using 2-3 wires is great with thinner cabs, as it doesn't make it look too heavy. The problem is, when wrapping thicker cabs, using only 3 wires and seeing a lot of girdle open on the side just doesn't look right to me. If you are going to make a wide girdle, know that you need more wire. If you like less wire, be sure to make thinner cabs.
As for bails, the top wire is the toughest part. Using half-round wire will make it look and work better. One year into wrapping and I still scramble my brain thinking what to do at the tops.
You've got a great start though. For your first wrap, it looks great. You've the basics down, just need to fine tune it and you're good to go. The only way to get better is practice. Keep at it.
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Post by Toad on Dec 1, 2009 21:30:18 GMT -5
Looks great for a first wrap, better than I could do.
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Post by frane on Dec 2, 2009 7:23:13 GMT -5
I think you did a great job and you show off the stone! I am looking forward to seeing your next! Fran
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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 Dec 2, 2009 7:44:03 GMT -5
Oops...Larry is right. The side bindings should have at least 3 to 4 full wraps showing. I use 21 gauge half-round for side bindings. Half-round will help give the cab a snugger fit. Still...I think you did a GREAT job!
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damammy
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2009
Posts: 697
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Post by damammy on Dec 2, 2009 16:24:30 GMT -5
First wrap how much time........ Lets see which time of wrapping that poor stone. ;D I think you did well at keeping your wire straight for a first wrap. The side binding as was subjusted at least 4 times around. The amount of wires well it is easier to use three to start and then when you get use to wrapping use as many as you like. The bail is the hardest part for me still, and I have been wrapping for 3 years. Great first wrap. Donna
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 3, 2009 17:34:37 GMT -5
I honestly don't remember how long it took me to do my first wraps, but I know that it was a couple of hours. If I sit down and work on one without any interruptions, I can whip one out in about 45 minutes now. That one looks great, you framed the stone perfectly
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,314
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Post by mossyrockhound on Dec 3, 2009 18:39:15 GMT -5
Great job! You know you are doing well when you can show pictures of the side and back and not be embarassed, especially on your first (successful) one. Congratulations!
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Post by NatureNut on Dec 3, 2009 19:27:40 GMT -5
Yep, it's evident that you got a knack for it! You got some good suggestions here to get you headed in the right direction. One word of caution, pretty soon, you're gonna want to wrap everything you look at! ;D
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bouldergal
freely admits to licking rocks
Glacier Meadow
Member since July 2007
Posts: 783
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Post by bouldergal on Dec 4, 2009 21:44:23 GMT -5
Very nice! I'm still taking hours to do a wrap and end up teary eyed or blind when I'm finished. Yours is lovely...balanced, well framed, and very neat. We're all looking forward to seeing more! Susan
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