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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 11, 2022 22:32:12 GMT -5
EDIT - Please read through the whole thread before you attempt this method... One of the most irritating things I had to do when wire wrapping was to straighten the wire. It always comes on a spool or some kind of circular bundle. I used to sit there and put it between my thumb and fingers and work my way down the piece of wire trying to get it straightened out a quarter inch at a time. It dawned on me when I was twisting square wire, that my process was straightening the wire as well. So, I tried it with round wire and it worked too! I put one end of the word into the chuck of my cordless drill. I use 20 gauge, so smaller gauge might be a problem. The other end gets put in my tabletop hobby vise thingy. It was a gift...I think they got it at Michaels. With one hand holding the drill and the other supporting the vise, I pull the wire JUST taut enough to make it straight...then spin the drill a few times - LITERALLY only a couple times. It immediately straightens the wire...and takes about 20 seconds start to finish, versus FOREVER the old way I did it! LOL - BE ADVISED - the more you twist the wire the more you will compromise the molecular structure of the wire...it will harden the wire as well as make it more brittle!DON'T MAKE FUN OF MY SUPERHERO SCRAP WIRE CUP!!       |
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Post by perkins17 on Apr 11, 2022 22:36:54 GMT -5
Good idea jasoninsd! I need to get into wire wrapping too. I guess I just haven't had the patience for it though. I'm more of a "settings" type of guy though. About the scrap cup, why isn't it a regular drinking cup!? I love the Avengers movies! |
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 11, 2022 22:42:39 GMT -5
Good idea jasoninsd ! I need to get into wire wrapping too. I guess I just haven't had the patience for it though. I'm more of a "settings" type of guy though. About the scrap cup, why isn't it a regular drinking cup!? I love the Avengers movies! Thanks Perk!  I thoroughly enjoy doing wire-wrapping in the evenings. Most nights I don't care what's on TV, so my wife watches "her" shows. With me wire-wrapping at the table, it still allows us to spend "together" time! LOL |
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Post by perkins17 on Apr 11, 2022 22:48:44 GMT -5
Good idea jasoninsd ! I need to get into wire wrapping too. I guess I just haven't had the patience for it though. I'm more of a "settings" type of guy though. About the scrap cup, why isn't it a regular drinking cup!? I love the Avengers movies! Thanks Perk! I thoroughly enjoy doing wire-wrapping in the evenings. Most nights I don't care what's on TV, so my wife watches "her" shows. With me wire-wrapping at the table, it still allows us to spend "together" time! LOL I'm pretty dang lazy after the day!  I've got a few shows I like watching when I'm having an especially lazy day. Maybe I can talk the family into converting the living room into a little hobby studio for all the stuff I want to get into! |
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 11, 2022 22:51:50 GMT -5
Thanks Perk! I thoroughly enjoy doing wire-wrapping in the evenings. Most nights I don't care what's on TV, so my wife watches "her" shows. With me wire-wrapping at the table, it still allows us to spend "together" time! LOL I'm pretty dang lazy after the day! I've got a few shows I like watching when I'm having an especially lazy day. Maybe I can talk the family into converting the living room into a little hobby studio for all the stuff I want to get into! Technically, you could do your wire wraps on a TV tray...technically...but not ideally. LOL |
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Post by liveoak on Apr 12, 2022 6:38:12 GMT -5
Obviously the " wire straightener" thingy doesn't work ? Always wondered about them. I'll have to try your drill trick. Thanks for sharing it.
Patty
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Post by fernwood on Apr 12, 2022 7:37:40 GMT -5
I have a manual bit and brace style drill. I use that for straghtening and twisting wire.
Am not brave enough to use an electric drill.
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herb
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 475
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Post by herb on Apr 12, 2022 9:51:09 GMT -5
The only thing about twisting round wire to straighten it is that it will also harden the wire. Depending on what hardness you started with and what you are trying to do with it, that could be an issue.
Regarding straighten wire by hand, you need to pull it thru your fingers in one long motion, not a little bit at a time. It takes some practice to find the correct position for your fingers and thumb but once you got it, it is only 1 or 2 pulls thru your fingers and the wire is straight without hardening it much
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aGates
has rocks in the head
Building a silver studio
Member since January 2021
Posts: 518
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Post by aGates on Apr 12, 2022 10:07:19 GMT -5
well spoke herb. thank you i couldnt remember if it was harder or brittle jasons method would create. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 12, 2022 10:54:03 GMT -5
After twisting I think I would anneal it before wrapping. For a thorough annealing it takes a torch and a fairly quick cooling, even a quench. If you have a toaster oven that is capable of over 500F a long bake will also soften a bit, but not all the way to wet noodle annealed, which I imagine could be a problem later on if your wrapping doesn't flex the wire enough to re-harden it. This applies only to sterling and copper, brasses and other alloys or filled wires may have a slow cool needed for annealing.
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 12, 2022 13:35:59 GMT -5
I agree with herb 100%. In the long run, you are better off learning to handle the wire. Use a good cotton cloth, like tshirt material and just run the wire through the cloth in one move. Your finger positions will guide the shape of the wire. If the wire is curled one way, "curl" it the other way as you run it through. I do think it is a better way to go. What happens when you need to twist a half hard wire? You'll get hard wire. It is a lot faster, too, once you get the hang of it.
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 12, 2022 18:22:56 GMT -5
herb, aGates, Rockoonz, rockjunquieThank you all for chiming in. I have edited the title and the original post to reflect this is not the method to use.
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Post by liveoak on Apr 12, 2022 20:54:43 GMT -5
OK, I have to agree that the electric drill would quickly work harden your wire.
HOWEVER, you seem to make an extraordinary amount of wire wrapped cabs, jasoninsdso if your process doing this is helping you on that front, then I wouldn't knock it too hard.
It's what ever works .
Just sayin'
Patty
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 13, 2022 7:18:47 GMT -5
My apologies to everyone involved, I didn't feel well last night, so I just put some cursory response and left it like that...not usually like me not to be verbose! LOL fernwood - Beth, my drill doesn't have a "hair trigger", so I can just ease the spin of my drill...so it's probably not as "scary".  liveoak - Patty, thank you for chiming in. The "wire straightener thingy" (that's what I call it too! LOL) works when there are "kinks" or bends in the wire. I bought it for the sole purpose of what I'm accomplishing with the drill...but it doesn't really do it like I want...the wire still "curls". Regarding your second post - thank you for the compliment...see my responses below. herb - Yes, twisting the wire will harden it...not only that it will lessen the width of the wire (essentially changing the gauge of the wire). I did say I spin the drill for a few seconds...what I should have said was "I spin the drill only a couple turns". The amount that I'm twisting the wire is FAR less than what I'm twisting square wire. It's literally only enough to take that darn bend out of the wire. I have been trying to get the "method" of straightening wire by hand for the last year. I've tried approximately 800 (200 wraps x average 4 wires) different tweaks to straightening the wire. I finally got tired of not getting it. I've tried everything you mentioned...and every way everyone else has mentioned. I'm usually pretty good about "getting" things...but this one alluded me! LOL - So, I'm going with what I figured out worked. I truly don't believe the amount I'm twisting the wire is having any significant molecular change to the wire's integrity...if that makes sense. I really do appreciate and value what you've said...and I would 100% agree with you if I were twisting it more than I am. I will also change the wording in the original post to indicate I'm not twisting the heck out of it. aGates - Johnny, I believe both you and Herb are correct with wire being hardened AND becoming more brittle when it's twisted. However, like I mentioned to Herb, I am only turning the wire a few turns...significantly less than what I'm twisting the square wire. Thank you for remembering to bring up the brittle par of it. Rockoonz - Lee, thanks for brining up the annealing. I've been pouring through the old wire-wrapping thread and have read a little bit about the process. If I were twisting the wire significantly to the point of changing the molecular structure - or the molecular integrity, I think annealing might be the way to go...but again, I'm only twisting the wire a "few" turns. rockjunquie - Don't get mad at me...but page 41 in your book...you describe twisting round wire...and your tip is that a person doesn't have to straighten out their wire if they're going to twist it...twisting it does it for you. You talk about twisting round wire with your pin vise about 25 times. GRANTED, if you thought I was twisting it more than the 25 times you talk about, then yes, your response would have been absolutely apropos - which is what I'm guess the case was. Essentially, I'm using your pin vise method - just with my drill. I do want to say, I seriously appreciate everyone's willingness to give their input with regards to what I posted. I will change the wording in the original post to try and reflect how little I'm actually twisting the wire with the drill. Everyone's input was awesome to see. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 13, 2022 7:21:56 GMT -5
My apologies to everyone involved, I didn't feel well last night, so I just put some cursory response and left it like that...not usually like me not to be verbose! LOL fernwood - Beth, my drill doesn't have a "hair trigger", so I can just ease the spin of my drill...so it's probably not as "scary".  liveoak - Patty, thank you for chiming in. The "wire straightener thingy" (that's what I call it too! LOL) works when there are "kinks" or bends in the wire. I bought it for the sole purpose of what I'm accomplishing with the drill...but it doesn't really do it like I want...the wire still "curls". Regarding your second post - thank you for the compliment...see my responses below. herb - Yes, twisting the wire will harden it...not only that it will lessen the width of the wire (essentially changing the gauge of the wire). I did say I spin the drill for a few seconds...what I should have said was "I spin the drill only a couple turns". The amount that I'm twisting the wire is FAR less than what I'm twisting square wire. It's literally only enough to take that darn bend out of the wire. I have been trying to get the "method" of straightening wire by hand for the last year. I've tried approximately 800 (200 wraps x average 4 wires) different tweaks to straightening the wire. I finally got tired of not getting it. I've tried everything you mentioned...and every way everyone else has mentioned. I'm usually pretty good about "getting" things...but this one alluded me! LOL - So, I'm going with what I figured out worked. I truly don't believe the amount I'm twisting the wire is having any significant molecular change to the wire's integrity...if that makes sense. I really do appreciate and value what you've said...and I would 100% agree with you if I were twisting it more than I am. I will also change the wording in the original post to indicate I'm not twisting the heck out of it.  aGates - Johnny, I believe both you and Herb are correct with wire being hardened AND becoming more brittle when it's twisted. However, like I mentioned to Herb, I am only turning the wire a few turns...significantly less than what I'm twisting the square wire. Thank you for remembering to bring up the brittle par of it. Rockoonz - Lee, thanks for brining up the annealing. I've been pouring through the old wire-wrapping thread and have read a little bit about the process. If I were twisting the wire significantly to the point of changing the molecular structure - or the molecular integrity, I think annealing might be the way to go...but again, I'm only twisting the wire a "few" turns. rockjunquie - Don't get mad at me...but page 41 in your book...you describe twisting round wire...and your tip is that a person doesn't have to straighten out their wire if they're going to twist it...twisting it does it for you. You talk about twisting round wire with your pin vise about 25 times. GRANTED, if you thought I was twisting it more than the 25 times you talk about, then yes, your response would have been absolutely apropos - which is what I'm guess the case was. Essentially, I'm using your pin vise method - just with my drill. I do want to say, I seriously appreciate everyone's willingness to give their input with regards to what I posted. I will change the wording in the original post to try and reflect how little I'm actually twisting the wire with the drill. Everyone's input was awesome to see. I do twist round SOFT wire for hardness. My point is that if you rely on twisting it, then you won't get good at doing 1/2 hard with a cloth. If you are twisting your wire and it works for you- then you do you, Boo. |
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 13, 2022 7:25:18 GMT -5
My apologies to everyone involved, I didn't feel well last night, so I just put some cursory response and left it like that...not usually like me not to be verbose! LOL fernwood - Beth, my drill doesn't have a "hair trigger", so I can just ease the spin of my drill...so it's probably not as "scary". liveoak - Patty, thank you for chiming in. The "wire straightener thingy" (that's what I call it too! LOL) works when there are "kinks" or bends in the wire. I bought it for the sole purpose of what I'm accomplishing with the drill...but it doesn't really do it like I want...the wire still "curls". Regarding your second post - thank you for the compliment...see my responses below. herb - Yes, twisting the wire will harden it...not only that it will lessen the width of the wire (essentially changing the gauge of the wire). I did say I spin the drill for a few seconds...what I should have said was "I spin the drill only a couple turns". The amount that I'm twisting the wire is FAR less than what I'm twisting square wire. It's literally only enough to take that darn bend out of the wire. I have been trying to get the "method" of straightening wire by hand for the last year. I've tried approximately 800 (200 wraps x average 4 wires) different tweaks to straightening the wire. I finally got tired of not getting it. I've tried everything you mentioned...and every way everyone else has mentioned. I'm usually pretty good about "getting" things...but this one alluded me! LOL - So, I'm going with what I figured out worked. I truly don't believe the amount I'm twisting the wire is having any significant molecular change to the wire's integrity...if that makes sense. I really do appreciate and value what you've said...and I would 100% agree with you if I were twisting it more than I am. I will also change the wording in the original post to indicate I'm not twisting the heck out of it. aGates - Johnny, I believe both you and Herb are correct with wire being hardened AND becoming more brittle when it's twisted. However, like I mentioned to Herb, I am only turning the wire a few turns...significantly less than what I'm twisting the square wire. Thank you for remembering to bring up the brittle par of it. Rockoonz - Lee, thanks for brining up the annealing. I've been pouring through the old wire-wrapping thread and have read a little bit about the process. If I were twisting the wire significantly to the point of changing the molecular structure - or the molecular integrity, I think annealing might be the way to go...but again, I'm only twisting the wire a "few" turns. rockjunquie - Don't get mad at me...but page 41 in your book...you describe twisting round wire...and your tip is that a person doesn't have to straighten out their wire if they're going to twist it...twisting it does it for you. You talk about twisting round wire with your pin vise about 25 times. GRANTED, if you thought I was twisting it more than the 25 times you talk about, then yes, your response would have been absolutely apropos - which is what I'm guess the case was. Essentially, I'm using your pin vise method - just with my drill. I do want to say, I seriously appreciate everyone's willingness to give their input with regards to what I posted. I will change the wording in the original post to try and reflect how little I'm actually twisting the wire with the drill. Everyone's input was awesome to see. I do twist round SOFT wire for hardness. My point is that if you rely on twisting it, then you won't get good at doing 1/2 hard with a cloth. If you are twisting your wire and it works for you- then you do you, Boo. Thanks Tela. I get what you're saying about turning the soft into hard by twisting. Makes total sense. As far as me "getting good" at using the cloth...I can't even get "half bad" after 800 tries! LOL |
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,989
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Post by Tommy on Apr 13, 2022 8:01:44 GMT -5
Well, that went south fast  When I starting reading it I was already slipping into my cheerleader outfit  jasoninsd, I know what everyone is saying but I still think it's a great visual tutorial post for twisting wire for whatever reason the artist wants it twisted - be it hardness, straightness or purely decorative. |
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 13, 2022 8:09:34 GMT -5
Well, that went south fast  When I starting reading it I was already slipping into my cheerleader outfit  jasoninsd , I know what everyone is saying but I still think it's a great visual tutorial post for twisting wire for whatever reason the artist wants it twisted - be it hardness, straightness or purely decorative. I don't think it went South...I totally get what everyone's saying...and I can't stress enough that I truly appreciate everyone who did post being willing to give their advice as to what to be careful of - and what the potential harm it can do - or what "changes" can occur in the wire. That being said...I don't believe the amount "I" am turning the wire has any significant effect on the hardness or brittleness of the wire. HOWEVER, if I were to be twisting the round wire as much as I am the square wire, I believe everyone's input would be spot on. How I responded last night was a reflection of me not feeling well, not me being butt-hurt by anyone's input...I should have just waited to respond until today. LOL |
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,989
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Post by Tommy on Apr 13, 2022 8:29:19 GMT -5
I don't think it went South... I agree  I was trying to be tongue in cheek but I think I used the wrong emoticon  Glad you are feeling better. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 13, 2022 9:31:46 GMT -5
Ok, so now I'm going to throw my 2 cents into this. When I have a really knarly piece of wire that I need to straighten, this is how I do it. I learned this method many moons ago by reading posts on Orchid (Ganoskin). Normally, I straighten my wire with a Sunshine cloth and my fingers (clean and straighten at the same time). On occasion I have to use the above method. jasoninsd, mine never turn out perfectly straight when I do it with my fingers. There is almost always a slight curve, but it doesn't bother me. If my wire is really mangled before I straighten it and is a thicker gauge, I will usually anneal it if I am using it for wire wrapping. The above method will change the gauge slightly because you are stretching the metal. It is usually not noticeable enough to make a difference. |
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I've got a few shows I like watching when I'm having an especially lazy day. Maybe I can talk the family into converting the living room into a little hobby studio for all the stuff I want to get into!
When I starting reading it I was already slipping into my cheerleader outfit 
When I starting reading it I was already slipping into my cheerleader outfit 
I was trying to be tongue in cheek but I think I used the wrong emoticon 
