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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Wire Working Tools - Part 3

In two past posts we have been discussing the tools used when doing wire working. Taking the leap into the jewelry making business, even for a hobby, can be expensive for anyone. It is an overwhelming and sometimes a bit intimidating in learning about and choosing just the right tools.
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Here are some last suggestions, details, or recommendations to maybe help make that decision whether or how to purchase jewelry and wire working tools.
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1) The most important tools will be your pliers. Invest in good quality, heavy duty tools, even ergonomic tools if that is what you require. You will be working with these tools so much, you will need something that is comfortable and easy to work with and handle.
2) A good smooth steel bench block. You will be doing a lot of pounding and this tool saves a lot of countertops and desks.
3) Good chase hammer and files. Purchase a good light hammer; if you want to make textures and/or flatten wire, you’ll be glad you invested. Buy files in a kit so you get a lot of different angles, lengths and depths. You never know when what you might run across in needing to work with wire.
4) Research and look around before buying your tools. Check out the local hardware store, craft/hobby store, Ebay, or even the local discount store. Even starting out with ‘used’ tools will give you an idea of what you will expect before you make the leap into investment for expensive tools. You may even check with other Artists to see if they are selling ‘2nd hand’ tools. They can also give you advice on what to and not to look for.
5) Make no mistake; what you pay for is what you get. If you want quality and something that will last a long time, expect to pay more. Whatever you choice, be sure to do you research and ask around.
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The more information you get to make a better decision, the better your jewelry designs will turn out. Good Luck!
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Thanks to our daughter-in-law at TimelessDesignsStudio for the wire working info.
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