A Useful Jewelers Tool - Wire Jig
How a Wire Jig Can Help Wire Jewelry Artists Make Wonderful Items.
A wire jig is a useful tool for the wire jewelry artist. In this article we take an introductory look at wire jigs and how they can help make items of wire jewelry.
Have you seen items of wire jewelry, which have been made with intricate, flowing twists and turns - or perhaps you’ve admired items of wire jewelry which have been made using a number of wire components, every single one the same size and shape – and marveled at the uniformity. You may have wondered how the maker managed to get every piece identically formed – or get lovely curves and bends in thick wire without any uneven shapes.
The secret is quite simple – they probably used a wire jig!
A wire jig is an extremely useful tool for the wire jewelry artist. It allows the maker to create beautiful designs in wire simply by bending the wire around pins. By placing the pins in the jig at predetermined distances custom made patterns and shapes can be made – and replicated exactly each time. This is great news when making an item of wire jewelry that has a number of wire shapes and components. Whilst it would be possible to do this by shaping the wire with pliers it is a lot easier to achieve uniformity each time using a jig.
But what is a wire jig?Like so many of great ideas, a wire jig is an extremely simple product. It simply offers a range of pins and a board. The user can then arrange the pins in different shapes on the board and wind the wire around to create different shapes and patterns. These can be replicated with every one being the same shape and size.
Many jigs come with a range of pin sizes, large pin sizes will create large, flowing loops; small pins will create sharper, tighter shapes. Jigs also have different hole configurations to allow different shapes to be made – for instance have holes arranged in such a way that circular or semi-circular items can be made such as collars and chokers. There are many manufacturers of wire jigs, one of the most well known is Wigjig.
It is also very easy to make a wire jig, simply by hammering a few nails or screws into a wooden block. If you only want to make one or two components then this is a particularly cost effective option.
Different wires will get different effects. Thin wire being easier to bend will take the shape of small tight loops, thicker wire is better suited to larger loops. However, too thin or too thick wires will be difficult to work with, the best range of wires for a beginner to work with are between AWG 24 – AWG 18 which is approximately .5mm – 1mm. [Note: AWG = American Wire Gauge and suppliers may use this or the metric measurement when selling wire.] When the piece is finished the ends need to be snipped and neatened. Any wire can be used – but remember not to keep winding and unwinding the wire round the jig otherwise the wire will get work hardened and will snap.
A wire jig is also handy for making findings. Using a jig the wire worker can easily make ear wires, jump rings and other fixings. Making these yourself not only will save you money, but also will really finish off your own creation wonderfully.
To learn more about using a wire jig, please go to the Suite101 article about how to use a wire jig.
Further reading:
For more information about different wires to use for making wire jewelry please see this Suite101 article about different wires.
Take a look at the Beadwork and Jewelry Making site at Suite101 for more interesting reading about making jewelery including some free projects.
