|
| Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips |
2012-04-14, 10:02am
|
 |
Ad astra per aspera
|
|
Join Date: Jun 15, 2005
Location: Apache Junction AZ
Posts: 7,324
|
|
Glass-tipped headpins???
I've seen some glass-tipped headpins offered here and there. I'd love to do something like this for my SCA customers for veils and other costume parts. What gauge and kind of metal wire would I need?
Please and thank you for your help! 
__________________
Karen Sherwood
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-14, 11:31am
|
 |
I'm a lilac!
|
|
Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
|
|
I use copper in both 18 and 20 gauge; silver is also good. You can use sterling and pickle it afterward to remove the firescale.
If you plan to pickle both silver and copper, make sure you have different jars of pickle for each!
__________________
-Kalera
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-14, 11:33am
|
|
I'm a lilac!
|
|
Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
|
|
I have some headpins on my site in both gauges if you want to check them out: http://beadwife.com/?a=catalog.products&category_id=38
The detail page shows them with a penny, for scale.
__________________
-Kalera
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-14, 11:47am
|
 |
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 09, 2005
Posts: 303
|
|
There is a metal that is more heat resistant. I bought some on ebay years ago but I can't remember what it's called. Anyone know?
__________________
Suzan
|
2012-04-14, 12:12pm
|
 |
critter creator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 22, 2006
Location: western MA
Posts: 823
|
|
Kalera - don't you have problems with the copper going dead soft, from being run through the annealing cycle? I've used copper wire fused into some of my glass bugs, but after annealing it's too soft (to push through paper hornets' nest, for specific example.) I've only experimented with this a tiny bit, so I'd love to know if I missed some important facts/processes!
I use steel "music wire", don't know anything more than that, but they have it at ACE Hardware. The gauge is pretty thin, like thicker mechanical pencil lead. The metal stays very hard after kiln annealing the glass. Have had any COE-related breakages yet (few years later.)
The only problem with this (for jewelry making, esp hair pins) is the sharp point on the end, left from cutting the metal. If you had a dremel, you could easily deburr the metal before melting glass on (I wouldn't tool it after glass is melted on.)
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-14, 12:24pm
|
 |
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 23, 2005
Location: Up and down I-95
Posts: 4,390
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by spixton
There is a metal that is more heat resistant. I bought some on ebay years ago but I can't remember what it's called. Anyone know?
|
Nichrome? Kind of goes from silvery to gray. I've used it in fusing but not in the torch so I can't say if it would work or not.
__________________
Rebecca
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-14, 2:57pm
|
|
Ad astra per aspera
|
|
Join Date: Jun 15, 2005
Location: Apache Junction AZ
Posts: 7,324
|
|
Thank you all! Several options to look into now. LE rocks, as usual!
__________________
Karen Sherwood
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-14, 6:05pm
|
|
I'm a lilac!
|
|
Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beast Master
Kalera - don't you have problems with the copper going dead soft, from being run through the annealing cycle? I've used copper wire fused into some of my glass bugs, but after annealing it's too soft (to push through paper hornets' nest, for specific example.) I've only experimented with this a tiny bit, so I'd love to know if I missed some important facts/processes!
I use steel "music wire", don't know anything more than that, but they have it at ACE Hardware. The gauge is pretty thin, like thicker mechanical pencil lead. The metal stays very hard after kiln annealing the glass. Have had any COE-related breakages yet (few years later.)
The only problem with this (for jewelry making, esp hair pins) is the sharp point on the end, left from cutting the metal. If you had a dremel, you could easily deburr the metal before melting glass on (I wouldn't tool it after glass is melted on.)
|
Yes, it does go dead soft, and needs to be work-hardened.
__________________
-Kalera
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-14, 7:25pm
|
 |
Mr Brutus RIP
|
|
Join Date: Apr 29, 2006
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 4,369
|
|
I use copper and brass in the torch. Silver I use epoxy after.
Gauge is 18, 16, and 20. When I first put the wire in the flame I give it a little melt (copper) and for the brass I use one of those cutters that makes it flat.
I LOVE to make them, made a bunch the other day 
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-15, 12:35am
|
|
Ad astra per aspera
|
|
Join Date: Jun 15, 2005
Location: Apache Junction AZ
Posts: 7,324
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kalera
Yes, it does go dead soft, and needs to be work-hardened.
|
Can you tumble-harden them with the glass on? I've been doing that with plain coiled brass with great results.
__________________
Karen Sherwood
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-15, 8:33am
|
|
I'm a lilac!
|
|
Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DesertDreamer
Can you tumble-harden them with the glass on? I've been doing that with plain coiled brass with great results.
|
Yes, that works. I have been leaving that step for the designers who buy them, because I don't know what their plans are for the headpins.
__________________
-Kalera
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-15, 9:24am
|
 |
Glass-aholic
|
|
Join Date: Mar 21, 2007
Location: CT, tolland CT
Posts: 4,332
|
|
So where are the pictures?
I have not made any.
__________________
Minor 10lpm Oxy-Con + HH on Propylene . . . . . .
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
hand dyed silk ribbons in many colors!
WASHERS & TOPPERS - layering components for interchangeable glass topper and to use in other jewelry/metalwork.:
|
2012-04-16, 1:28pm
|
|
critter creator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 22, 2006
Location: western MA
Posts: 823
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kalera
Yes, it does go dead soft, and needs to be work-hardened.
|
Kalera, thanks. This is what a figured, but unfortunately not an option with a fragile glass bug fused onto one end. Guess I'll stick with steel for now!
|
2012-04-19, 5:14am
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 02, 2006
Location: Mid North coast NSW Australia
Posts: 126
|
|
A few years back I used stainless steel the same as my mandrel steel. 316. I purchased a roll of .8 fine welding wire. Haven't had a problem with any of my pieces. It is very tough and springy. If I want to soften it I run it through my torch flame to a dull heat before i push it into my pin vice to add the glass.
Bev.B
|
2012-04-19, 5:39am
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 02, 2006
Location: Mid North coast NSW Australia
Posts: 126
|
|
All the stainless steel stems were wire wrapped before they were connected inside the barrel.
Bev.B
|
2012-04-19, 5:48am
|
 |
Mad about Glass
|
|
Join Date: Nov 29, 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 1,052
|
|
Lovely Bev.
I've wanted stainless steel wire for ages so now I know what to get, but if you had to buy a huge roll I'd love to buy some of the wire from you.
I use copper and fine silver - the fine silver doesn't need pickle and can be work-hardened also.
__________________
Jenn
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
[url]
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-19, 7:35am
|
|
Glass-aholic
|
|
Join Date: Mar 21, 2007
Location: CT, tolland CT
Posts: 4,332
|
|
Oh wow. I though we were talking about headpins like bobby pins for hair head pins.. Hahahahaha.. Omg blonde moments galore! the first time I looked at the title I saw 'hatpins' so i must have been on a head thing....lol
I get it now... Yea I'd make them right on the ends
__________________
Minor 10lpm Oxy-Con + HH on Propylene . . . . . .
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
hand dyed silk ribbons in many colors!
WASHERS & TOPPERS - layering components for interchangeable glass topper and to use in other jewelry/metalwork.:
|
2012-04-19, 8:15am
|
 |
birdergirl ~o~
|
|
Join Date: May 17, 2006
Location: Unorganized Territory
Posts: 2,002
|
|
Someone posted a nice tutorial ( free) about how she does it, in short: she makes the head on a dipped mandrel then epoxies it onto a piece of wire.
Here's the link:
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=212284
I've only made them using copper wire (in the torch), works well but I'd like to try sterling next!
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
~raised by wolves~sleeps with foxes~cooks for crows~feeds the bears~scrabbles with squids~antisymmetrical~politically agnostic.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Torchering glass since spring '06~ gold cricket & oxycon!~
|
2012-04-19, 5:29pm
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 02, 2006
Location: Mid North coast NSW Australia
Posts: 126
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ekkie
Lovely Bev.
I've wanted stainless steel wire for ages so now I know what to get, but if you had to buy a huge roll I'd love to buy some of the wire from you.
I use copper and fine silver - the fine silver doesn't need pickle and can be work-hardened also.
|
Hi Jennifer
I will never use all the roll, so you are welcome to some. Not sure how to pm from here. Can you give me your details through the GBM Aussie site?
Bev.B
|
2012-04-19, 7:10pm
|
 |
Wyoming Silvers
|
|
Join Date: Jan 31, 2007
Location: Cowboy State
Posts: 272
|
|
http://www.etsy.com/listing/96603130/15-t_list_12
Susan lambert has some small quantities for sale on etsy.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Lovin my Lynx with M20
|
2012-04-21, 12:03pm
|
|
Ad astra per aspera
|
|
Join Date: Jun 15, 2005
Location: Apache Junction AZ
Posts: 7,324
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jillybead
|
Great find, thanks!!!!!
__________________
Karen Sherwood
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-21, 2:23pm
|
 |
CiM Tamarind-Skinned
|
|
Join Date: Apr 28, 2011
Location: Not nearly close enough to the water.
Posts: 426
|
|
If you want the silver look without your silver going melty, you can use tinned copper.
You can pickle sterling silver, fine silver, copper & brass together. You cannot pickle nickel silver & steel with fine/sterling silver & copper or brass. I don't know about aluminum or the tinned copper though. When you take things out of the pickle you can't use steel tongs either in the sterling/fine silver, brass & copper pickle. The steel reacts with the metals/pickle and will plate everything in copper. It's a bitch to clean up. BITCH!
Pickle #1: sterling/fine silver, copper & brass. USE COPPER TONGS!
PIckle #2: steel & Nickel silver. USE STEEL TONGS!
__________________
Monica
In love with my Sparkly Green GTT Cricket! Running it with an oxycon and cookin' my beads in George Clooney, my Regular Guy GlassHive Kiln (Like George he is Super Hot and Fabulously Grey!).
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-21, 3:16pm
|
 |
susanLambert
|
|
Join Date: Jun 10, 2005
Location: North Carolina --moved here from Michigan
Posts: 1,134
|
|
for a nice brushed gunmetal look, just run some fine steel wool over headpins made on steel wire.
I've had good luck with it, and bought a big bundle which is why I put small amounts on Etsy.
Thanks Jilly!
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-21, 4:36pm
|
 |
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 15, 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,035
|
|
I have a done some and used the epoxy method but I think I am going to melt them directly on, that seems to be a bit more stable, less time consuming and easier. I didn't realize you could to that without melting the wire.
__________________
Sonja
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-21, 4:50pm
|
|
susanLambert
|
|
Join Date: Jun 10, 2005
Location: North Carolina --moved here from Michigan
Posts: 1,134
|
|
if you cut the wire long enough, you can hang onto it without it getting hot.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-21, 8:33pm
|
 |
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 14, 2005
Location: The Rocky Coast State!
Posts: 6,620
|
|
__________________
Sue Walsh
The past is history,
The future is a mystery
and the present is a gift.
|
2012-04-22, 8:46am
|
 |
Can't you see I'm busy???
|
|
Join Date: May 05, 2007
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 120
|
|
Spixton, were you perhaps thinking of Kanthal high temperature wire?
I have some for use in the ceramics kiln. Am going to try making some head pins on it.
|
2012-04-25, 8:55am
|
|
susanLambert
|
|
Join Date: Jun 10, 2005
Location: North Carolina --moved here from Michigan
Posts: 1,134
|
|
Here's one of my headpins wrapped up to hang on jewelry. That's how the steel works out.
I feel bad about popping the price up 30 cents on my wire, but paypal takes .39 can you believe it? geesh....
GlassPuppy did you try the high temp wire? I'm curious how it turned out. Did it keep it's silver color?
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2012-04-25, 11:08am
|
 |
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 24, 2011
Location: Big Island of Hawaii
Posts: 245
|
|
Thanks for the tip about ACE. Mine had two or three thicknesses of music wire; I got four 3-foot pieces for less than $3.
Lee
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beast Master
I use steel "music wire", don't know anything more than that, but they have it at ACE Hardware. The gauge is pretty thin, like thicker mechanical pencil lead. The metal stays very hard after kiln annealing the glass. Have had any COE-related breakages yet (few years later.)
|
|
2012-04-25, 11:36am
|
 |
MacGalver
|
|
Join Date: Oct 15, 2006
Posts: 9,927
|
|
Susan the wire in your photo looks green on my monitor... is it just the stainless steel color change from the heat, or did you patina it somehow? Looks like the wire is pretty soft after it has been in the flame ~ I really like that look alot!
Jo
__________________
Jo
Frit Diva website
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:41pm.
|
