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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jul 31, 2013 8:55:48 GMT -5
I gave it another try last night and just like the first one I got lost on the bail. I think if I can figure out a bail that's a little more beginner friendly it would take some stress out of this. I am using 20 gauge square beadalon craft wire for the main wires and its labeled "medium temper". It sure does not seem to want to make any swirls without kinking. I dont know anything at all about wire but maybe the half hard or dead soft stuff from rio grande might make that easier? I was real happy with this right up till the bail and this was one of my favorite flint ridge cabs so I might take it apart and start over. My girdle was a little thicker so I used four side wires and that just added to my mess up top.  Thanks for looking Chuck |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 31, 2013 9:42:35 GMT -5
I can sense your frustration....  Bails are difficult for everyone, not just newbies. Practice makes it easier, though. Yes, softer wire is much better for swirls and curls. Still, your piece looks good and it's nice and tight. Keep at it, Chuck. It gets much easier. Once you get some better wire it will be easier, too. |
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riverrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2010
Posts: 1,395
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Post by riverrock on Jul 31, 2013 10:45:44 GMT -5
Are you using round pliers to make your swirls? By the way the cab looks great.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jul 31, 2013 10:55:19 GMT -5
I am using the round nose pliers but the wire just seems too stiff to get a smooth flow. even the big 3/8" loops look choppy and I tried to bend those around a piece of dowel rod. here's my tools so far. just a basic craft store 4 piece set.  Chuck |
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Post by orrum on Jul 31, 2013 11:28:26 GMT -5
Chuck I am not very good at wrapping but I have a set of flat pliers in addition to what you have, I got mine from Donnie, she is a peach!!!! Also you need to get some Parawire, its a coated wire, I lost the link but its available from several places. Maybe Tela or Donnie or someone will chime in and tell us the link with no shipping? Anyway its way easier to work. Get the 21 gauge, also a thicker girdle does not necesarrily require more wires, I wrapped some tumbles tgat someone sent me and they look great! Sorry I cant post pics. On your swirleys at the bail, make sure you have plenty of wire to work with, I use a longer wire than Randys tut, I wrap by Randys tut too! Anyway make the swirls way to big with just your fingers and work them smaller with your fingers, I try to line them up and bend them all at first at the same time. You dont have to use all your ends for swirleys, you cand cut and tuck them and make a unisex wrap without all the swirleys. Hope that helps, get some parawire you will love it for beggining.
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Post by orrum on Jul 31, 2013 11:31:06 GMT -5
Chuck I am not very good at wrapping but I have a set of flat pliers in addition to what you have, I got mine from Donnie, she is a peach!!!! Also you need to get some Parawire, its a coated wire, I lost the link but its available from several places. Maybe Tela or Donnie or someone will chime in and tell us the link with no shipping? Anyway its way easier to work. Get the 21 gauge, also a thicker girdle does not necesarrily require more wires, I wrapped some tumbles tgat someone sent me and they look great! Sorry I cant post pics. On your swirleys at the bail, make sure you have plenty of wire to work with, I use a longer wire than Randys tut, I wrap by Randys tut too! Anyway make the swirls way to big with just your fingers and work them smaller with your fingers, I try to line them up and bend them all at first at the same time. You dont have to use all your ends for swirleys, you cand cut and tuck them and make a unisex wrap without all the swirleys. Hope that helps, get some parawire you will love it for beggining.
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Post by pghram on Jul 31, 2013 13:04:48 GMT -5
What an improvement, at this rate you'll be a pro in no time.
Rich
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Aug 1, 2013 6:36:24 GMT -5
lol, I posted my second one today. I had the same sort of outcome. Everything came out much better, until I hit the bail. I feel your pain, wire is not forgiving at all. It is very frustrating!
Keep at it and keep posting updates!
Roger
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Bails are difficult for everyone, not just newbies. Practice makes it easier, though. Yes, softer wire is much better for swirls and curls. Still, your piece looks good and it's nice and tight. Keep at it, Chuck. It gets much easier. Once you get some better wire it will be easier, too. 
