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Daily Wire Tip Dec. 9: Using “Tool Magic”

By on December 9, 2009
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
December 9, 2009

Question:

Hi, Love your book!   I have the same question that I read today regarding “Tool Magic”.  I purchased some a while back, but have not yet tried it.  Will it interfere with making crisp bends or gunk up my tools?

Answer:

Thanks Sue!  As for using anything that coats your tools, just think a minute: If you bought a tool for its edge and the edge is coated with something???  No more edge!  (Yes, I`m smiling too.)  As for “gunking”  up your tools, well . . . (smiling again).  I hope you enjoy making those beautiful, crisp angles in my patterns.

Answer contributed by Dale `Cougar` Armstrong

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4 Comments

  1. avatar

    nancy beegle

    December 9, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    Hi, Dale —

    Bought your book last month after drooling over it for a couple months before I could get it on my disability income. I so LOVE IT!!
    However, each time I try to make th ose beautiful smooth curves in some of the pieces and some of the other patterns on this site, I end up (even while trying with dead soft wire) with somewhere in between sharp and crisp and flowing waves. How can I make the same beautiful soft, smooth curves as those I’ve seen you guys do?

    Love your work, by the way. :)

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      December 9, 2009 at 5:44 pm

      Hi Nancy, I am so pleased that you like the patterns in my book. Thanks! Now as for learning to make the soft, flowing curves – practice using copper and when you get it right, you’ll know. (In my opinion brass is way to hard on your hands to practice with as it will remove the calluses from even my hands!)
      All my best,
      Dale/Cgr

  2. avatar

    Kat

    December 9, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    I disagree with Dale in her response about Tool Magic. It has many helpful uses and provides a superior non-slip grip on the metal. I know that for some wirework applications in is not helpful, but in many applications it is fabulous. It all depends on how you use it and for what project.

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      December 9, 2009 at 5:26 pm

      Exactly Kat – it really depends on what you are using it for. This question was regarding the patterns in my book, most of which require sharp angles. Thanks.
      Dale/Cgr