Hello and hope everyone is doing well,
I am curious as to how heavy gauge wire or multiple wires can be
twisted and soldered together to make necklaces or bracelets?
Having looked through all the books I have and internet searches, I
can only assume that either the handheld twisting tools are used that
I see for sale are used, (but from pictures of tool, I believe y ou
can only twist 2 to 4 small wires in them?) or for heavy gauge cable
such as Yurman style bracelets, they are probably put into the chuck
of a low geared lathe?
So my question is, what is the limitations of the 10 inch hand held
twisting tools, and has anyone twisted heavy gauge sterling wires
with drills? And am I missing any other simple ways? Also, am I
assuming correctly that twisted rope/cable bracelets are hard
soldered after the entire length is twisted and in held in the shape
you want and they simply heat up the piece from one end and move to
the other end? I believe I read this technique for a rope chain from
my Alan Revere goldsmith book.
I obviously am very new to fabrication of jewelry outside of rings
and pendants so please forgive me if these are silly questions.
many thanks,
Rick Powell