There are a variety of tools for cutting jewelry wire. The most important thing to consider when selecting tools is the type of wire you will be cutting. Some tools can only be used on certain types of wire. For example, Diagonal Wire Cutters are only recommended for use on half-hard or softer wire because they will damage harder wire.
In this guide, we will show you how to cut jewelry wire correctly. Wire is a very versatile material and can be used in a variety of jewelry making projects. It is important to know how to properly cut wire in order to get clean, precise cuts that will make your jewelry look professional. There are a few different ways to cut wire, and the best method for you will depend on the type of wire you are using and the project you are working on.
Materials
You will need a cutting tool, some form of heat, and wire.
Your cutting tool can be either flush or pliers type cutters, both of which will give a clean cut on jewelry wire. The main difference is that flush cutters will give you a shorter tail (the wire that is left after cutting), while pliers type cutters will leave a longer tail. If you are working with very thin wire (18 gauge or thinner), you may want to use flush cutters to avoid having a long, difficult to hide tail.
For heat, you can use a butane torch (the type used for soldering), a candle, or even a lighter. If using a flame, be sure to have a fireproof work surface and plenty of ventilation.
Wire comes in many different types and gauges (thicknesses). The most common types used in jewelry making are sterling silver, 14k gold filled, and rose gold filled. For most projects, you will want to use sterling silver wire as it is the most affordable option. 18 gauge is the thickest common jewelry wire while 26 gauge is the thinnest. For most projects, 20 or 22 gauge wire will be the best choice.
Tools
In order to cut jewelry wire, you will need a few tools. First, you will need a pair of wire cutters. These can be found at any craft or hardware store. Second, you will need a cutting surface. This can be a cutting board, piece of cardboard, or anything else that will protect your work surface from being scratched by the wire cutters. Finally, you will need a marker or pencil to mark the wire before you cut it.
Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are one of the most basic, and yet essential, tools for anyone who works with jewelry wire. As the name implies, wire cutters are used to cut through jewelry wire. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on the thickness of the wire you need to cut.
There are two types of wire cutters: flat-nose and round-nose. Flat-nose wire cutters have, as you might guess, flat jaws that come to a sharp point. These are ideal for cutting through jewelry wire because they enable you to get a precise cut. Round-nose wire cutters have, not surprisingly, round jaws that come to a point. These are not as precise as flat-nose wire cutters, but they can be helpful when you need to make large cuts or when you need to quickly snip through a piece of jewelry wire.
You will also find that most wire cutters have some type of spring action built into them. This is designed to make it easier for you to use the cutter and to help prevent fatigue while you’re working. When choosing a pair of wire cutters, be sure to pick ones that feel comfortable in your hand and that have a good spring action.
Round Nose Pliers
Round nose pliers have, as you might expect, round jaws. These are great for making loops and curves in wire, and are often used in conjunction with other pliers to create detailed jewelry designs.
Flat Nose Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers have, as the name implies, completely flat jaws. This is in contrast to chain nose pliers which have slightly rounded jaws. The advantage of flat nose pliers is that they can grip a piece of wire right up against the flush cut end, making them ideal for creating clean straight cuts and 90 degree bends.
The process for cutting jewelry wire is fairly straightforward. First, use your marker or pencil to mark the spot on the wire where you want to make the cut. Second, line up the wire cutter blades with the mark on the wire and squeeze the handles together to make the cut. Third, remove any sharp edges from the cut wire by running it through your fingers or using a file.
How to cut jewelry wire
1. Gather your materials. You will need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and your piece of jewelry wire.
2. Place the wire on the cutting board.
3. Hold the wire in place with one hand, and use the other hand to position the knife blade at the point where you want to make the cut.
4. Apply pressure to the blade with your hand, and then quickly slice through the wire with a downward motion. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, or you may end up cutting yourself.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have cut all of the wire that you need.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the best results when cutting jewelry wire:
-Use a sharp pair of wire cutters. This will help prevent crushing or distorting the wire as you cut it.
-If possible, use flush-cut wire cutters. These have blades that are level with each other, which helps prevent cutting into the side of the wire.
-Cut slowly and evenly. Don’t try to rush through the cutting process, as this can lead to uneven or jagged cuts.
-File any sharp edges on the cut wire. This will help prevent injury and make it easier to work with the wire.