Hi Guys, i'm thinking of making a Sterling Silver Choker Necklace (similar to this one below).
My tumbler is too small for it to fit into, so how do i harden it?
I've just realised i have been using 1.3mm Dead Soft Wire (duh)....so is it best to use half hard?
Thanks in advance.
Attachment 8665
Hi silvermagpie,
I don't find that tumbling my pieces hardens them enough for my liking. For your choker, I would take a nylon or seasoned rawhide hammer to it on a steel block. Tap lightly, and you will soon start to feel it stiffening up.
If that is a picture of what you wish to end up with, no soldering involved, why not buy hard wire and you'll be there when you've shaped it up.
It's a myth that tumbling hardens metal to any significant degree, as pointed out by Jayne. You need actual deformation, or precipitation hardening to make any difference. Dennis.
Hi, I made this one:
Attachment 8668
Didn't have any hard wire so I put one end in a clamp and twisted from the other end with those special pliers (someone will know what theyre called), which seemed to harden it enough. No good for you this time if the piece is already made up, but if you just wanted to use up softer wire another time you could do that....I think, but someone will no doubt say so if this is not appropriate.
Sue
Yes twisting is an ideal way to harden wire Sue,and hardly shows on round. On square it gives the barley sugar look. Good for ear posts too. Dennis.
Yes, i think i'll be better off buying some hard wire.
Thanks for the tips Guys.
You could also use Argentium and harden in a oven
Didn't think of using Argentium tbh.Quote:
Originally Posted by china
Thanks!