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Post by DawninCal on Oct 15, 2011 17:59:21 GMT -6
Some of you may have seen my post in the general section about twisting wire with an electric mixer. It turned out so nicely twisted and I'm really pleased with the results. I've done some searching on the internet and can't find anything about how to deal with the ends of the twisted wire when making a jewelry project. The ends seem kind of poky and I'm afraid that after time they might start to untwist. How does one deal with the ends of twisted wire? Thanks! Dawn
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Post by cindy on Oct 15, 2011 18:02:25 GMT -6
You can melt them together if it's the sort of wire that's safe to melt.
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Post by DawninCal on Oct 15, 2011 18:05:08 GMT -6
Hmmmmm...would that mean using a torch, Cindy? Dawn
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Post by cindy on Oct 15, 2011 18:11:12 GMT -6
Yes, Dawnie Dear. It's time to play with fire. *wicked grin*
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Post by DawninCal on Oct 15, 2011 18:37:33 GMT -6
I had a feeling you were going to say that. Dawn
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Post by smithy on Oct 15, 2011 18:45:55 GMT -6
I take the wire and double it, using whatever length I need at the time, and then melt the two ends together with a little ball on the end. I forge that flat and stick it in a vise. What ever you use to twist the wire (yes, you can do it by hand). Keep the wire tight and straight and don't try to twist to fast...Smithy
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Post by Wrapsody on Oct 16, 2011 5:16:06 GMT -6
Dawn - I remember your electric mixer post. I hadn't thought about pokey ends but it makes sense now that you mention it. Let us know how you resolve it.
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Post by galadryl on Oct 16, 2011 5:34:53 GMT -6
Smithy, I never thought of that Do you think the balling up would work with two different metals as well? Thinking about copper and silver, or copper and bronze...
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Post by smithy on Oct 16, 2011 6:15:37 GMT -6
Twisting different metals shouldn't be any7 different. I would solder both ends together before twisting, keep the wires straight and tight and twist slowly. Make sure both metals are "dead soft" by annealing...Smithy
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Post by galadryl on Oct 16, 2011 12:23:23 GMT -6
Ok, thank you. I will try that. Thx for the tips.
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Post by DawninCal on Oct 16, 2011 14:18:20 GMT -6
I do believe I've come up with something that will work and that doesn't involve fire! Dawn
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Post by cindy on Oct 16, 2011 14:28:32 GMT -6
c'mon over to the fiery side, Dawn . . . you know you want to . . . .
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Post by DawninCal on Oct 16, 2011 14:47:48 GMT -6
No denying that, Cindy! Meanwhile, seeing as how I don't have any flaming implements, nor do I know how to use them, I gotta go a different route for now. Someday...and then I'll be giving Smithy's advice a try! Dawn
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Post by ness on Oct 16, 2011 15:44:10 GMT -6
Get yourself a little torch, Dawnie.
You can pretend it's to make creme brulee, if that makes coming over to the fiery side any easier, lol!!
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Post by cindy on Oct 16, 2011 17:58:43 GMT -6
Get a plumber's torch. More power!
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