[Jewelry making - Article 00845] - Re: [Orchid] Reclaiming copper wire

[Dave]

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    Hi Mike, Depending on the gauge & length of the wire, you should be
    able to 'strip' it without marking the copper. If this is electrical
    wire commonly used in residential buildings, it's probably 14, 12 or
    10 ga. 

    How long a piece you are able to strip depends somewhat on your
    strength. I've been able to strip 6 foot lengths, but have seen some
    folks able to do over 10 ft. 

    It helps to have tool called a wire stripper, terminal crimper or
    wire cutter (depending on who you're talking to). The tool usually
    has a several sections that are used for specific purposes. The wire
    stripper section will have a number of holes, usually from 10 ga to
    20 ga. The idea is to clamp the wire in the hole designated for that
    size wire. The tool will cut through the insulation & stop short of
    the wire. Then, while holding the tool closed, pull the tool & the
    insulation. the insulation will slide off the wire. 

    Here's how I do it. 

    1. Cut a length of wire to be stripped from the wire supply. 

    2. Strip about 1" of insulation from 1 end of the wire. 

    3. Clamp the stripped end in a vise. 

    4. Place the appropriate gauge hole in the wire stripper around the
    wire. 

    5. Grip the wire stripper securely & pull perpendicular to the vise.
    The insulation will slide off the wire. 

    When you examine the holes in the wire stripper, you'll notice one
    side is flush with the surface of the stripper & one side is
    indented. When stripping wire, the flush side should always be
    against the insulation being stripped. 

    Until you've found the length of wire you're able to strip, It might
    be best to start with a piece about 2 ft. long. Increase the length
    in 1 ft. increments until you've found the maximum you're
    comfortable with. 

    Wire strippers are usually available at hardware stores, home
    centers, & electrical suppliers. 

Dave


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