What Works With Wire?

[Former_Member]

I am sitting down next week to do a lot of rock work, and we always have some really good bits that I think would be good for wire wrapping. I am just learning to wrap neatly, so I thought I would ask more experienced people if there is a shape that wraps easier or should I cut small notches into everything?

[Former_Member]

Hi, Jane! I am just curious. What do you mean by "wrap neatly"????
Maro

[Former_Member]

I want to play with wire as a new medium, but have not had the time/money to spare on wire so the few things I have played around with were limited on what I could do. I work with a lot of brass rod, but that is not the same. I just meant that I need to practice more and become familiar with wire vs rod.
I really haven't wrapped more than 5 things ever. But I really want to wrap rocks. I really love lapidary work so that is why I am going to sit and cut next week.

I suppose I am just looking for tips on how to best approach my first batch. I keep coming across so many cool things that are made from just wire, and I have become inspired. I do not know anyone in person that wraps and cuts their own rocks. So I thought I would post here and see if anyone had any advice.

[Untwistedsister]

If you want to wire wrap cabochons, you will find that a small (2-3mm bevel) with a low to medium dome works best when you shape your cabs. Ovals are great for beginning wire wrapping too and 30 x 40mm is large enough to hold on to easily.

I cut & polish my own stones and wire wrap. Copper is a good wire to practice with as it has about the same feel as sterling or gold filled.

[Former_Member]

Thank you. Do you think taking time to cut a few notches would help or would it just be extra, unneeded work?

[Untwistedsister]

I don't put notches in my cabs. You might do well to take a basic wire wrapping class or search on YouTube for videos.