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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 8, 2009 17:08:52 GMT -5
Has anybody used Tool Magic on their pliers for wrapping? I want to use some niobium wire for wrapping but really need to protect the wire from my amateur grip!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2009 17:14:09 GMT -5
Yup, Ive used it for years. Multiple thin coats work better/dries quicker than one thick one. However, with that said......I got tired of constantly having to dip my pliers and wait for them to dry so instead I use plain ole duct tape. Its kinda spongy so it helps with the so called "amateur grip" LOL. It does have to be replaced often but I just cut a bunch of little strips of it so that I can re cover the ends of my pliers whenever needed.
The most important thing to remember is that gripping tools tightly isnt necessary and try to remind yourself constantly to keep an easy grip. If its still an issue, switch to nothing but dead soft wire. The rule I go by is if Im using half hard wire, I use tools. If Im using dead soft, the only thing allowed is FINGERS, no tools.
One thing that doesnt seem to be mentioned a lot is that if you do mar your wire, you can always file the majority of it out with a very fine metal file. Then follow it up with a quick tumble in stainless steel shot in a tumbler. I have a vibe bowl set aside for this purpose. I can even tumble boulder opal wrapped in gold in stainless shot without damage. The shot gives your metals an incredible shine and acts like little tiny hammers that gently "pound" the sharp little burrs from your wraps. Gives them a really smooth finish. All of my wraps and chain mail are tumbled in shot.
Shannon
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 8, 2009 18:28:06 GMT -5
Thanks, Shannon! What about the stickiness of the duct tape? That's good to know about the steel shot. Would that only apply to a vibe tumbler? At present I only have 2 rotary tumblers. Are you referring to gold or gold filled? And I would never try that method with niobium. I do have some dead soft wire coming in, but in the meantime I will be using what I have on hand so I will try the duct tape as well as the Tool Magic and see which works best for me!
Donnie
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 8, 2009 18:39:35 GMT -5
OK, where do you buy Tool Magic? Every show someone asks me for "that stuff to dip pliers in".
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 8, 2009 19:06:09 GMT -5
Fire Mountain Gems has it, Rio Grande, as well as other beading suppliers. Not too sure of the manufacturer.
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Post by Woodyrock on Dec 9, 2009 1:46:51 GMT -5
A wee thing that nobody seems to be aware of is that when you get a new pair of pliers, they need tuning up. You first need to lighty file all the sharp corners off, and then smoothe all the flats with a fine file. Then, you need to polish the entire working end of the pliers with wet dry abrasive starting at say 220,320, 400, 600 then polish on a hard felt wheel with compound until the steel shines like chrome............this will prevent marring your silver. Woody
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 9, 2009 9:22:10 GMT -5
Thanks, Woody, I'll give it a try! Donnie
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2009 13:15:50 GMT -5
Ack! I forgot to mention that. Woody is right, I never use new pliers until I have sanded all of the rough edges. You need a completely smooth surface and that includes that actual "edges". I round all of those off.
I used to buy my Tool Magic from Fire Mountain Gems. Keep the lid on tight because it WILL dry out.
Shannon
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