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Daily Wire Tip Jan. 22: Wrapping Freeform or Calibrated Cabs

By on January 21, 2011
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
January 22, 2011

Question:

Dale, I have several freeform pieces that I was trying to wrap and it is far from the one you did on your beginner dvd. My question for you is, I am using 21-gauge dead soft copper and would like to know if it would be better to start with the calibrated cabs and get some experience. Thank you.

-John in Alma, Arkansas

Answer:

Hi John, in a personal class it is easy to wrap a freeform cab, and often folks can accomplish it when they have had the experience of making an All Wire Unisex Bangle bracelet, as the design gives one lots of practice straightening wire and making wraps. Because you have a larger gauge wire and it is dead soft, I would say yes to begin on calibrated cabs.

Personally I prefer a 22-gauge wire, as it will not cover too much of the top of a wrapped cab, and it is a more "universal" gauge. Also in half hard, 22-gauge will offer you more control over what the wire does. I hope you are using a half round for the side wraps, to keep the frame as close to the cab as possible, and the same gauge square to wrap in the bail. Using square wire for the bail wrap will keep the number of wraps needed to secure it to a minimum. Hope this helps to clear some of your challenges!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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