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Post by trackside on May 10, 2013 18:44:12 GMT -5
Well, it's a stupid question if it is not asked.
I want to try my hand at this wire wrapping of stones. I looked in Hobby Lobby in Lafayette Indiana and the silver and copper were so expensive I just walked out the store. 10 feet of wire for $14 plus tax. Sounds way to much to me. Plus all they had was a few sizes and I didn't see anything but round wire. No flats or semi round. So my question is, where can I buy or at least look at some reasonably priced wire and some tools to work it with? Should I get a book on learning this or just try to use my imagination and what tutorials that are on this website? Any help will get me started on the right foot.
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Post by Bikerrandy on May 10, 2013 19:27:44 GMT -5
You can get good wire to practice with from Parawire, this is all good wire to learn with because it's fairly in-expensive. I still use it for some of my wraps. Click the pull-down menus to see which ones are available in square and half-round, I always use the 21 gauge..... www.parawire.com/metallic.shtml You can get tools from Monsterslayer (the ones that are almost at the bottom of this page for $7.50 are as good as the ones that are $60) ....... www.parawire.com/metallic.shtml |
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on May 10, 2013 19:34:36 GMT -5
you should not be using gold or silver to learn with, there are brass, bronze, copper and coated copper wire in square and half-round or round depending on your desired wrap to practice with that won't break the bank.
Start with the square and half-round from Parawire.com
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Post by talkingstones on May 10, 2013 20:07:58 GMT -5
Parawire is a good place to start. If I were to do it again, I would start with the square and half round. I started with all round and then went to stainless...would NOT recommend it, but for me, it worked. If you can do it in stainless, you can do it in anything!  For tools, you can go to Walmart and get a set of Stanley pliers, the small ones with a flat head in them and a passable clipper. After my first wrap, I picked up a cheap set...that cost a lot more than Walmart, but still use the clippers from jewelrysculpture.com . Wire is expensive there but the free videos help COMBINED with Randy's Tutorial here!!!! Biggest thing to remember is that you are not wrapping "around" a rounded surface, you are squaring around a SQUARED wire!!!!! That and Randy's Tute and you'll be good!!!! Enjoy, Cathy |
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on May 10, 2013 20:15:05 GMT -5
I started with el cheapo stuff from walmart.... 5-7 ft rolls of colored wire and bargain basement tools. I use copper and brass because silver & gold are just too expensive for me to buy at this time. I am using bronze now because I like the color and I can get it in square & 1/2 round 21 & 18 gauge. I also get a lot of positive feedback on the bronze which helps too!!
I've gotten some great books on wrapping from the library and suggest you look there first.
Rio Grande & Fire Mountain are good for supplies & tools and Monsterslayer is good too!!
Whichever path you choose I wish you luck!! It's a fun addiction!!
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Post by trackside on May 10, 2013 20:43:02 GMT -5
Thanks guys for the information. I will look at Wally World soon and see what they have. Then if I pursue this hobby I will look into the more expensive supplies and tools.
Also, when I wrap a stone I just have to assume that I can wrap a tumbled stones as well as a slab/cab.
I also want to try my hand at carving stone as I have a few ideas for some presents for my kids and grandkids this Christmas.
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Thunder69
Cave Dweller 
Thunder 2000-2015
Member since January 2009
Posts: 3,105
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Post by Thunder69 on May 10, 2013 20:48:09 GMT -5
At my Hobby Lobby they have Beadalon wire for wrapping...Square and half round nickle free silver plate..Multiple
guages $7 for 6.5 feet.......It is really good wire....John
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on May 10, 2013 21:24:00 GMT -5
Be aware that this is addictive  you can wrap tumbled stones, just takes a little different way than a flat backed cab. I love carving too and have been way too busy to get back to some I need to get done - Soon!! |
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on May 11, 2013 9:36:40 GMT -5
two good books you can get used off of Amazon.com
Moods In Wire
Moods In Brass & Glass
good basic instructions for many types of wire wrapping
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,958
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Post by Tommy on May 11, 2013 11:27:43 GMT -5
Lots of good answers here already but just to throw in my two cents - I'm dabbling in this too - I love cabbing but I seriously need to figure out how to elevate my craft. Glue-on bails are getting old fast heehee.
Randy's tutorial here is phenomenal of course - and in addition to that I've been really helped by a video I found on youtube: which has helped me figure out an easier bail that doens't involve trying to create a lot of swirly ends that are really hard for me. I'm combining Randy's "taping" method with methods in the video with moderate rookie success. In fact my best results have come after literally taping the crap out of everything at every step LOL.
Good luck :-)
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Post by Bikerrandy on May 11, 2013 13:46:03 GMT -5
Thanks guys for the information. I will look at Wally World soon and see what they have. Then if I pursue this hobby I will look into the more expensive supplies and tools. The tools in the link that I posted are the same tools that I use. I have 8 of everything since I teach classes too. They've held up for many years. You'll only need 3 things, the round-nosed, narrow flat nosed, and a pair of flush-cut side cutters. |
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Post by drocknut on May 12, 2013 14:11:31 GMT -5
I agree with Tommy, lots of good answers here already. My two cents: I started out with sterling, unfortunately but quickly bought copper from Brandywine Jewelry Supply. I don't care for the german wire because it seems so soft to me. I also don't like the square and 1/2 round craft wire for the same reason plus I tend to nick wire with my tools and that craft wire is very unforgiving. I also stay away from the Wal-Mart craft wire. I have used it but the pieces I made with it started to look like crud because the shine didn't last on it. Some of the earrings I made using that craft wire I've had to re-do because they were looking dull, tarnished, and worn even without having tarnish on them or being worn. Oh and, lastly, painter's tape is a wrappers best friend though some of the best wrappers can do a wrap without it.
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Post by trackside on May 12, 2013 18:57:55 GMT -5
Checked out parawire and I like their prices. I will have to order some soon. I guess good starters will be 18 and 21 or 22 gage. I might try some square and flat too. Glad I was referred to the company. Thanks!
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For tools, you can go to Walmart and get a set of Stanley pliers, the small ones with a flat head in them and a passable clipper. After my first wrap, I picked up a cheap set...that cost a lot more than Walmart, but still use the clippers from jewelrysculpture.com . Wire is expensive there but the free videos help COMBINED with Randy's Tutorial here!!!! Biggest thing to remember is that you are not wrapping "around" a rounded surface, you are squaring around a SQUARED wire!!!!! That and Randy's Tute and you'll be good!!!!
