Daily Wire Tip July 26: Pattern Help
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 26, 2010
Question:
A few patterns I have call for 14-gauge “twisted wire,” with no further explanation. Does it mean a 14-gauge square or half round wire, twisted?
I also have one that requires 14-gauge round twisted wire. Does that mean 2 round wires twisted together, since round wire can’t be twisted alone?
And lastly, if the pattern calls for 13 in. of twisted wire, how long would that be before twisting?
-Jeanne in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Answer:
Without knowing exactly what the projects are, it is difficult for me to determine what another designer means by the terms you quote. Often, if you can look at a photo of the finished project, you can figure out what they are referring to. If you cannot determine the details in this manner, I would email the author personally and ask them, as unfortunately sometimes editors cut out what they feel are unnecessary details to save space in a publication.
I will try to clarify some of these for you though, just from personal experience.
I would say that “14-gauge twisted wire” refers to a square wire that has been twisted. I do not think that twisted half round wire would be a regular item, nor have I ever worked with a 14-gauge half round wire in that manner. For the “14g twisted round wire,” I would agree with you that it means 2 round wires twisted together.
Your last question, about how long to cut a square wire before twisting to end up with 13 inches, really depends on how tightly you twist it. I would begin with a 14.5 inch long piece if twisting rather tightly. When the wire is twisted to your desire, measure it and record the results in your designer notebook so you will have a reference for the next time.
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
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how to make jewelry, Jewelry Design and Patterns, twisting wire, wire gauge, wire wrapping
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A few days ago Dale mentioned in an answer to the question ” how much change should you take to the show?” I laughed at the answer and it came back to bite me at my show this weekend. Everyone stops at the ATM and the ATM issues $20 bills so you need to listen to Dale and take $400 in change small bills or you end up like I did with a problem. Thanks Dale for your advice and wisdom, I read all your answers to the questions and they have helped me considerably in my business. I referred interested customers to your site for the free video as they were interested in wire sculpture. Thanks again Charlene