[Jewelry making - Article 00586] - Re: [Orchid] 14K Wire Wrap

[Debbi]

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    For every wirewrapper out there, you will probably get a unique
    list of suggestions.  That apparently isn't stopping me from
    adding mine. 14k wire is easier to break than half-hard 14/20
    gold filled.  I call it more brittle, but I'm sure metalsmiths
    out there can explain the real reason it works differently.   If
    you are used to working with half-hard gold filled wire, just go
    a bit more gently and you should be okay.  The old basics apply. 
    Know your design (you might want to make it in gold-filled for
    practice if it isn't a design you are used to), never twist on a
    bend, don't overtwist (repeat, don't overtwist), bend once (you
    won't be able to "work" the wire like you can with gold filled),
    and most of all enjoy the feel of working with real gold!  Go for
    it! 

    Compliments of Rio Grande catalog, here's their hardness guide 

    Approximate Ultimate Tensile Strength (psi) 

    14K Yellow Gold    Yellow Gold-Filled (12/20, 14/20)    Sterling
    Common Term    Browne&Sharpe Hardness 

	69,000                    40,000
	40,500                Soft (annealed)        0
	88,000                    50,000
	48,500                1/4 hard                    1
	98,000                    60,000
	54,000                1/2 hard                    2
	111,000                  70,000
	60,000                3/4 hard                    3
	124,000                  75,000
	66,500                full hard                     4
	145,000                  90,000
	89,000                spring hard               8

-debbi (if it were me, I would pick a hardness no greater than 1)





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