[Jewelry making - Article 00131] - Re: [Orchid] Question about sterling silver wire

[Guy Payton]

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    1. Dead-soft and half-hard you are talking about the metal's
    hardness or you could also think of it's stiffness. The very first
    piece I made I used half-hard 12 gauge round sterling. 

    You don't want to do that unless you like pain. I'd suggest dead-soft
    and as you shape it you will be work hardening it. If you think your
    piece needs to be hardened further you can heat harden it. If you
    have a tumbler toss it in with some steel shot, I suggest stainless,
    and that will further work harden it. 

    2. It's your piece the gauge is up to you. keeping in mind the inside
    diameter of your links in relationship to each other and whatever
    else you wish to attach to it. 

    3. It's less painful to use dead-soft then harden it yourself. 

    4. If you have a regular kitchen oven and about 2 hours that should
    do it. Set oven to about 540 degrees for about 2 hours. 

    5. Fire Mountain, Rio-Grande, Hoovers&Strong there are many sources. 

I hope this helps,
Guy...

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