bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Wire
Nov 17, 2010 15:33:23 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Nov 17, 2010 15:33:23 GMT -5
Can you use the wire that they sell at Hobby Lobby to learn to wire wrap with or is it too much different than the wire used to actually wire wrap cabochons? Cost is the biggest factor for me to consider. I don't want to skimp and learn bad habits or do inferior wrappings when I finally can, but I can't afford the most expensive wire right now either.
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Wire
Nov 17, 2010 15:38:47 GMT -5
Post by superioragates on Nov 17, 2010 15:38:47 GMT -5
Hobby Lobby wire is ok....but it is very soft. I would suggest for learning wire to get either copper (100 feet for like 8 bucks) or go to parawire.com They have square wire, and it is VERY cheap to buy...great for practicing!! I can feel ya on that expensive stuff....it sure hurts to hiut that "pay now" button when I order!!
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dbrealityrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2010
Posts: 1,084
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Wire
Nov 17, 2010 16:10:05 GMT -5
Post by dbrealityrocks on Nov 17, 2010 16:10:05 GMT -5
hey, come on 18ga square SS is only about $3.35/ft right now. Oh yeah, since I just quit my job I might need some of that cheaper stuff also
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Wire
Nov 17, 2010 22:22:07 GMT -5
Post by drocknut on Nov 17, 2010 22:22:07 GMT -5
I practiced a lot on copper square and 1/2 round from Brandywine Jewelry Supply. It isn't as expensive as silver or gold but it is a bit harder than the craft wire and it is in square and 1/2 round so more like what most people use for wire wrapping. Beadsmith also has square and 1/2 round craft wire that is good, although you have to order it through a distributor or your local bead store.
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Wire
Nov 17, 2010 22:44:11 GMT -5
Post by Larry on Nov 17, 2010 22:44:11 GMT -5
I mostly wasted my time with the craft wire. The biggest issue for me was that it was round and that made the wrapping frustrating. I would suggest using copper if it fits into your budget.
Looking ahead a bit... say you get good at it but still want cost-effective wire, copper is a legit metal to wrap with for selling or as gifts. Anything in craft wire would just be for practice but then just put aside. Just a thought...
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Wire
Nov 18, 2010 1:57:25 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Nov 18, 2010 1:57:25 GMT -5
Thanks Larry. I won't mess with the craft wire then. No sense in wasting money on something that won't be functional.
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Wire
Nov 18, 2010 13:18:39 GMT -5
Post by Larry on Nov 18, 2010 13:18:39 GMT -5
The craft wire is the cheapest route so if that's all you want to spend it will at least teach the basics. The issue I had was that the round stuff gave me fits so much that the frustration wasn't worth it.
I just checked Brandywine, as was suggested above my last post, and they do have square and half-round copper wire. That would be the best bet for cost effective materials that have the same shape as you will use in the future.
Also, as I said before, you can give gifts or sell items with copper and it's fine, sometimes being the preferred wire of some sellers. You can do the same with craft wire but it gets ugly over time and some people will have a skin reaction to it. I wish I did my early wraps in copper instead so, even though I didn't like the quality of the wire work, at least somebody could have worn it someplace. My craft wire pieces just got tossed into a pile somewhere.
Good luck and make sure to post your progress. Following other peoples' development is fun in itself.
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