bgiant
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2012
Posts: 13
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Post by bgiant on Oct 3, 2012 18:56:29 GMT -5
Being new at this i have really developed a liking to wire wrapping. The one problem i am having on a constant basis is when working with multiple individual wires at the same time. They never line up correctly and it seems i am spending a huge amount of time just straightening wire to make it adequate looking. Is there a source that sells wire in stand size? In other words the wire is not on a spool but rather cut to a certain length and multiple strands are sold together
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 3, 2012 19:37:04 GMT -5
Hi  I can't think of any place that would sell what you want. I have to say, at the risk of sounding like a know it all, that learning how to control the wire is part of learning how to wire wrap. It just takes patience and practice, but you'll get there. One day soon, you'll wonder why you asked that question. Having said that- We can offer you better advice if you answer a few questions first. What kind of wire? copper, silver etc? What shape? round , square, etc? Which hardness is it? soft, 1/2 hard or hard? It all makes a big difference. Try this- put all your wires together. Then, pull them, all together, through a cloth a few times. Do it to the whole length. When you work wire, it creates memory in the wire. Tell the wire what you want it to do. |
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bgiant
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2012
Posts: 13
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Post by bgiant on Oct 3, 2012 21:49:30 GMT -5
I like the cloth idea, that makes a ton of sense
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Post by talkingstones on Oct 4, 2012 4:51:39 GMT -5
The next question I have is "Are you taping your wires together when you bind. That keeps them lined up and I do retape for every bind. Some use quilter's tape. I use regular masking tape, but the tape really helps!
Cathy
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Oct 4, 2012 9:03:09 GMT -5
When I set up to do a run of wrapped stones I select stones of all the same outer dimention in circumference and then cut my strands for all the stones at one time. Then I do all the prep work on the wire pulling the strands one at a time through a polishing cloth held between my thumb and forefinger. Its tedious but once done its all done I usually do a run of 15 -20 cabs and use 4 strands of wire per for the thin ones and 6 strands of wire per for the chunky ones. I tape the bundles up on the ends and get busy wrapping |
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Don
Cave Dweller 
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Member since December 2009
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Post by Don on Oct 4, 2012 12:29:04 GMT -5
I like to tape one end of a bundle together and run it through a polish cloth a couple times to align them up; then I'll tape the other end.
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 4, 2012 16:14:55 GMT -5
Yeah, tape. I have seen some people who say that tape is a no no, but I say poo on that- tape is your friend. |
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Oct 4, 2012 16:32:51 GMT -5
I have a couple of styles of wrap I need tape to do them correctly its a matter of choice |
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Oct 4, 2012 17:22:44 GMT -5
tape is a no-no? please. Tape is a tool. that's like saying flat nose pliers are a no-no.
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 4, 2012 17:37:43 GMT -5
There is a pretty famous wire wrapper I know who says she was taught by another well known wrapper (who I won't mention the name of but sells books on the subject) to never ever use tape. She was so frustrated trying to learn that she almost gave up and then we would never have seen her beautiful work. (Lisa Barth Master silver clay artist and wire wrapper). I can see not using glue on wires, but tape? Come on. I agree, you don't always need it, but when ya do, ya do.
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Oct 4, 2012 18:14:46 GMT -5
exactly. tape helps me keep everything straight and tight. I use it as a third hand. some people do the same with scrap half round. sounds like ego to me. The old trumpet players' handshake: "hi, I'm better than you". LOL
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jody
spending too much on rocks
Love our country because it Loves U.S.
Member since January 2011
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Post by jody on Oct 4, 2012 18:31:36 GMT -5
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Oct 4, 2012 18:38:27 GMT -5
That clamp is fine if your doing one at a time I do production runs so it would not work for me, besides I like the tape don't have any issues with residue with the newer masking tapes at all |
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Oct 4, 2012 18:44:25 GMT -5
I use 1/4" masking tape. works great.
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Post by talkingstones on Oct 4, 2012 21:03:19 GMT -5
I use the regular size masking tape and cut the lengths in half. Takes about two hot seconds and is really worthe the effort!
Cathy
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 4, 2012 23:33:37 GMT -5
I use a tape sold at my husband's hobby store. It's 1/4 inch, I think. I learned a long time ago to leave a tab with one end a little longer so I can open the tape off the wire instead of slide or pull it off, which always leaves residue (with my tape, anyway).
I've used those clamps, too, for special needs type things. They hold really well.
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jspencer
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Member since March 2011
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Post by jspencer on Oct 6, 2012 12:07:44 GMT -5
The blue painters masking tape leaves no residue and is easy to peel away. In my little bit of experience it works fine.
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TByrd
fully equipped rock polisher
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Member since December 2010
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Post by TByrd on Oct 7, 2012 0:52:24 GMT -5
I use the little clamps that you get at Home Depot for 3 for $1.
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bgiant
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2012
Posts: 13
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Post by bgiant on Oct 8, 2012 1:43:36 GMT -5
First off thanks to everyone answering the question...Secondly (hoping i don't sound too clueless) I take it that your taping the ends of multiple strands together and then running the polish cloth over them correct?
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Oct 8, 2012 9:23:55 GMT -5
that's right.
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