A couple of clay questions

**jille** · 09-06-2012, 07:43 AM

Firstly hello, I haven't been here for a while, life has been hectic. I'm looking forward to catching up again.

A couple of questions has anyone tried the new sterling silver clay, how does it fair? Who sells it?

I'm playing with copper clay this week and I want to make my own headpins, I want to add the copper wire before firing, will it be ok and withstand the firing process?

While I'm on the subject of clay I'm making some ceramic clay bits n pieces, I use nichrome wire but don't particularly like the look, is there another wire I could use that would withstand firing to 1200C
thanks

**Di Sandland** · 10-06-2012, 05:44 PM

Jill, excuse me if I'm being stoopid (it has been known!) but why would you want to use copper clay to make headpins when it's so easy - and I know well within your capabilities - to ball up the end of the wire? Am I missing something or misunderstanding what it is you want to do?

And for your other question - I have read of hiqh-temp resisting niobium wire being used in industry. Not sure if it would be suitable or even available for home use but it might be worth a google?

xx

**jille** · 10-06-2012, 05:52 PM

Hi Di, thanks for your reply, I'll have a look on the net for niobium wire.
I have made a tiny ammonite mould, and what I'd like to do is stick a wire in before firing so I don't have to make a hole in them. I'm going to do some shells as well. I'm having the next few weeks to play with stuff, I've really missed experimenting while I've been so busy

**Kwant** · 10-06-2012, 06:25 PM

I love the sound of niobium, so exotic. I rather thought the middlesex university site would have some but alas no. Firemountain gems seems to be the most accessible place to get the wire.

**jille** · 10-06-2012, 07:27 PM

I found this site but it's too expensive for my ceramic clay needs, I'll have to stick to nichrome
http://www.advent-rm.com/catalogue/l...d=33&formid=17

**Dennis** · 10-06-2012, 09:11 PM

Well Jille, I would try propelling pencil refills, possibly from Ryman, which come in 0.7mm and I think 0.9mm. They withstand heat and don't stick to metal. I have certainly use pieces for keeping hinge knuckles aligned when soldering. Dennis.

**Tabby66** · 10-06-2012, 09:19 PM

Thanks Dennis.....a tip re hinges to tuck away for future reference!!

**Kwant** · 10-06-2012, 09:32 PM

Not sure how that would help Dennis, if, given my understanding Jille wants a wire for a bail attached to the clay permanently not just a premade hole.