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Post by tims on Apr 8, 2017 2:07:56 GMT -5
This idea popped in my head last night so i had to try it.    The biggest problem was the heavy gauge base wires, they were difficult to work around such a small oddly shaped piece. I chewed them up pretty good ... have nylon tipped pliers coming soon. The top twist above the stone was by hand, bottom one i used pliers and it was better. Used a single wrap wire and might do better wrapping each side separately. I also still need to shape some rocks as random tumbles make everything ... um ... interesting. Thanks for looking and suggestions / criticism always welcome. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 8, 2017 8:30:23 GMT -5
Very cool!! I like it. Good for you for tackling that wisp of an idea! That's how it all starts. I can't make any criticisms. You have already noted the difficulty with the heavier wire and nicks. Looks great on! How comfortable is it?
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Post by Garage Rocker on Apr 8, 2017 8:39:33 GMT -5
Cool, Tim, that's a unique idea. Looks like you've taken to working with wire. Know what you mean about wrapping tumbled stones, it's tough. Keep up the good work.
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metalsmith
Cave Dweller 
Member since October 2012
Posts: 1,537
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Post by metalsmith on Apr 8, 2017 11:58:22 GMT -5
Beautiful! One size fits all too.
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Post by tims on Apr 8, 2017 13:56:43 GMT -5
Very cool!! I like it. Good for you for tackling that wisp of an idea! That's how it all starts. I can't make any criticisms. You have already noted the difficulty with the heavier wire and nicks. Looks great on! How comfortable is it? It's nice to wear. Like metalsmith said it's easy to size, and doesn't poke or catch on my pocket like i'd feared. If it was for me i'd wish the band was slightly larger but it will probably be given to somebody with a smaller finger. Thanks for the encouraging comments. |
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Post by pghram on Apr 8, 2017 14:37:12 GMT -5
Great design & execution.
Peace,
Rich
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 8, 2017 15:32:02 GMT -5
Very cool!! I like it. Good for you for tackling that wisp of an idea! That's how it all starts. I can't make any criticisms. You have already noted the difficulty with the heavier wire and nicks. Looks great on! How comfortable is it? If it was for me i'd wish the band was slightly larger but it will probably be given to somebody with a smaller finger. Perfect! An excuse to make another one...  |
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Post by accidentalrockhound on Apr 9, 2017 6:32:29 GMT -5
Great ideal, nice job on the prototype, let's see the next one!
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icatz
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2015
Posts: 453 
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Post by icatz on Apr 13, 2017 9:04:12 GMT -5
I admire people who do this. It's so tedious and time consuming, but the results are awesome. Thanks for posting!
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Post by tims on Apr 17, 2017 1:15:59 GMT -5
Here's one with lighter gauge wire. I like the setting but the weave was a nightmare, it's impossible to get a clean tight wrap with such flimsy base wires. Tempted to try square wire and see if it holds up better, or maybe an intermediate gauge. I used 18 / 26 on the first and 22 / 28 on the second so maybe 20 gauge would be the sweet spot.   |
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 17, 2017 6:49:27 GMT -5
20g is my sweet spot. I use it for just about everything. BUT, I use soft wire. Whenever I use 22, I always use 1/2h. It just doesn't hold up otherwise. I think 20 + 26/24 for a weave would be just about right. The ring looks great, though. |
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Post by tims on Apr 17, 2017 7:29:00 GMT -5
Thanks i'll get some 20 ordered and maybe 24 too. One nice thing about copper, it's not terribly pricey. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 17, 2017 8:20:32 GMT -5
Thanks i'll get some 20 ordered and maybe 24 too. One nice thing about copper, it's not terribly pricey. You can twist your 20 round copper wire to get it almost half hard. That's what I do for the outside weave wires. Copper is pretty soft, so it really helps to twist. |
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Post by tims on Apr 17, 2017 12:16:04 GMT -5
Thanks i'll get some 20 ordered and maybe 24 too. One nice thing about copper, it's not terribly pricey. You can twist your 20 round copper wire to get it almost half hard. That's what I do for the outside weave wires. Copper is pretty soft, so it really helps to twist. Twist? Hmmm. Never considered such a thing. Just give the whole length of wire a few twists before you start? I also hadn't considered that the outer wires would be of primary concern but that makes sense. Thanks for the tips. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 17, 2017 12:26:15 GMT -5
You can twist your 20 round copper wire to get it almost half hard. That's what I do for the outside weave wires. Copper is pretty soft, so it really helps to twist. Twist? Hmmm. Never considered such a thing. Just give the whole length of wire a few twists before you start? I also hadn't considered that the outer wires would be of primary concern but that makes sense. Thanks for the tips. Yeah, stick the end in a pin vise, hold the other end with pliers and just twist about 20 times. |
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