Vince Pitelka on mon 14 mar 11
Jackie Miller wrote:
"I would like to make a wire handle to add to a piece (weight is about that
of a medium teapot). Does anyone have a suggestion as to type of wire, gaug=
e
and where to buy it. I would prefer black."
Jackie -
Lots of my pouring vessels feature metal bail handles with wood grips, and
if you want to see some you can go to www.accessceramics.org and click on
"artists" and then click on my name. My favorite source is uncoated weldin=
g
rod, which you can get at most welding-supply places. They used to sell it
by the pound, and I don't know if they still do. If not, you might have to
buy a cardboard tube of whatever size and metal you settle on. There is
nothing available that is already black. The mild steel stuff that is used
for gas welding comes with a very thin copper plating, and could be painted
whatever color you wish. A nice satin black would probably be best, rather
than gloss.
I find the uncoated brass brazing rod a little gaudy, although it is better
if heated and "aged" with a patina. Be careful not to heat it up too much,
because it will lose its temper and become very soft and flexible - too muc=
h
so.
Stainless steel wire would be another good choice, and in that case, you
could heat the stainless to 1800 in an electric kiln and it will come out a
very dark gray-green-black that is very appealing. I did this with some
stainless steel fittings that started out as shiny and glaring as chrome,
and the results were very nice. I am not sure of the best source for
stainless wire. The welding stores will have stainless welding rod, but I
am not sure if it will be available in long-enough lengths except in fairly
small gauge for wire welding.
You may have to do some research. The simplest solution might be to just g=
o
ahead and use mild steel gas-welding rod, which is available in diameters
from 1/16" to 1/4". You'd probably be best off using 3/32 or 1/8" for a
bail handle, but you will have to determine that based on your needs and th=
e
design you have in mind. If you paint it, rough it up slightly first with
very fine sandpaper or emery paper.
Of course any of these will have to be installed after the firing. I have
seen people use Kanthal heating element wire installed before the firing,
and the results can be nice, but I really don't care for the matte, oxidize=
d
effect of the fired Kanthal in my own work.
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Craft
Tennessee Tech University
vpitelka@dtccom.net; wpitelka@tntech.edu
http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka
Jacqueline Miller on mon 14 mar 11
I would like to make a wire handle to add to a piece (weight is about
that of a medium teapot). Does anyone have a suggestion as to type of
wire, gauge and where to buy it. I would prefer black.
--
Jackie Miller
JackieAMiller@gmail.com
Susan Fox Hirschmann on tue 15 mar 11
Using a wire handle can be uncomfortable. I think.
For years I have been hand dying natural reeds and making them into handles=
=3D
.=3DA0 They are strong, last a very very long time (I have yet to get a cal=
l =3D
to replace a handle) and provide any strength you need even for a full pot =
=3D
of tea.=3DA0 They can be bright or subtle, depending your design and color =
ch=3D
oices.
If you are interested, send me an email off list and I am happy to explain.
You can see my work at :
www.potteryart.biz
Best,
Susan
susan fox hirschmann
art pottery
--- On Mon, 3/14/11, Jacqueline Miller wrote:
From: Jacqueline Miller
Subject: Wire for a handle
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Date: Monday, March 14, 2011, 7:21 PM
I would like to make a wire handle to add to a piece (weight is about
that of a medium teapot). Does anyone have a suggestion as to type of
wire, gauge and where to buy it. I would prefer black.
--
Jackie Miller
JackieAMiller@gmail.com
=3D0A=3D0A=3D0A
Steve Mills on tue 15 mar 11
I occasionally make a handle out of several strands of quite heavy copper w=
i=3D
re (from electric cable) twisted together and soldered at the ends. This ca=
n=3D
be easily painted, and (I think) looks quite good.=3D20
Steve M
Steve Mills
Bath
UK
www.mudslinger.me.uk
Sent from my Ipod touch
On 14 Mar 2011, at 23:21, Jacqueline Miller wrote=
:=3D
> I would like to make a wire handle to add to a piece (weight is about
> that of a medium teapot). Does anyone have a suggestion as to type of
> wire, gauge and where to buy it. I would prefer black.
>=3D20
> --
> Jackie Miller
> JackieAMiller@gmail.com
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