Comments on: Daily Wire Tip June 4: How to Make Wires Lay Flat

By: dalecgr

dalecgr — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:57:33 +0000

Thanks for reminding me Alex, we do have a video tip showing how to straighten wire easily: http://wire-sculpture.com/jewelry-making-blog/260/straightening-your-jewelry-wire/

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 03:41:25 +0000

Often, a good hefty piece of square wire is a far better binder than half round.
Straightening wire is really not that hard! Use a polishing cloth and your fingers. Hmmm. I will have to do a tutorial on it some day, but if you use the polish cloth to draw your wire straight, then tape the bundle with all the wires laying the same way, then you should be OK.

By: dalecgr

dalecgr — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 05:03:42 +0000

Good point Ginni – which is why I never, ever purchase wire on spools!

By: dalecgr

dalecgr — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 05:02:24 +0000

Ok Gigi, if you read my answer, then you already know why I choose square; in the last paragraph, I do mention that when you are comfortable with techniques, then feel free to alter gauges and tempers – obviously an 18g half-round is a lot stronger than a 21g half-round – so it works because it is larger and therefore has more power. There are a lot more reasons to use square wire in a variety of situations – as you watch my lessons or take classes – even reading the daily tips – experience will tell you when and why.

By: Gigi

Gigi — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 03:32:50 +0000

I don’t know why, but I also had a dreadful time trying to wrap this piece with square wire – it looked awful. But when I tried wrapping the same bundle with an 18 gauge half round it looked beautiful and the bracelet is holding together just fine. Is there some advantage to wrapping with the square wire that I’m not aware of?

By: Debbie

Debbie — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:31:25 +0000

I am also a beginner and have found that it helps me not to be quite as frustrated if I do one or two “practice” pieces in copper wire first. The copper is cheaper so you don’t feel so bad if you mess it up and it is also beautiful if you do it right! You may not want to do that, but it makes me feel better.

By: Ginni Tutterow

Ginni Tutterow — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:38:55 +0000

I agree with using the recommended gauges … very important!

It is also possible that the base wire you’re working with is not “on the square” — that the wire as it comes off the spool or coil is twisted, not just curved. I’ve had that problem occasionally. It requires careful, gentle “tweaking” with the pliers to untwist each wire and make it lay flat.