QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on May 24, 2017 19:37:12 GMT -5
After a hiatus of a few years we're considering doing a few shows here in the Southeast again. But think it would be a good idea to expand our repertoire of offerings. So I've been considering trying a batch or two of tumbled cabs geared towards the wire wrapper's market. Am planning to hand preform the cabs and then tumble finish them in a vibe.
But we've never done any wire wrapping so were wondering what physical features make a stone ideal for wire wrapping?
A) Domed on both sides or domed on one side only?
B) How wide of a girdle is ideal to work with?
C) Does the girdle need to be perfectly flat for wire wrapping or can it be slightly
rounded?
D) Are there any shapes that are more desirable than others for wire wrapping?
E) Are there any shapes or features that are undesirable for wire wrapping?
Any additional input or thoughts from wire wrappers would be appreciated. Thanks!
Larry C.
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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 May 24, 2017 19:52:39 GMT -5
A) Domed on both sides or domed on one side only?
Domed on one side.
B) How wide of a girdle is ideal to work with?
The basic ww is made with 4 strands of 22g wire. 3-4mm girdle is ideal.
C) Does the girdle need to be perfectly flat for wire wrapping or can it be slightly
rounded?
Flat, straight sides, not cut at a 20% angle like silversmiths prefer.
D) Are there any shapes that are more desirable than others for wire wrapping?
Drops, long ovals. avoid multiple sharp, acute points.
E) Are there any shapes or features that are undesirable for wire wrapping?
Avoid round cabs, they just spin around in their settings.
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Post by rockjunquie on May 24, 2017 20:20:28 GMT -5
A) Domed on both sides or domed on one side only? one side B) How wide of a girdle is ideal to work with? 2-3.5mm C) Does the girdle need to be perfectly flat for wire wrapping or can it be slightly rounded? I like the girdle to be 90 degrees or slanted- doesn't matter to me. But I really do not like a rounded off girdle at all. D) Are there any shapes that are more desirable than others for wire wrapping? I actually love stones with sharp points. But any shape is fine with me. In fact, I like oddball shapes and freeforms. I just wish I could cut more of them.  E) Are there any shapes or features that are undesirable for wire wrapping? I don't like real thick girdles. I don't like no girdle, high domes. (High domes WITH a girdle are fine.) I don't like uneven girdles. I don't like rounded corners. Like if it should be a tip, like the top of a pear, I don't want it to be rounded short. I prefer the back edge be ground for chips and sharpness. I think you'll find that wrappers have their own preferences according to how they work. But, I think it is safe to say that a thinner girdle serves us all. |
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on May 25, 2017 16:56:01 GMT -5
Thank you Don and Tela for the responses!
Larry C.
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