This is a great tip, and very timely, because it sounds as
though, if you rotate the wire, it would put a point on it -- like
for a pin.
Hi Noel, I found this a very quick way to create a long, round
taper, and superior to filing. But let me caution you. You must
secure the wire very well in the pin vice, and hold it firmly, less
the rotating disc pulls the wire out of the vice and wraps it around
the pin holding the facing abrasive discs. This is especially useful
when trying to point a light gauge wire for drawing. If you want to
point a heavier wire, such as a brooch pin or stick pin or to create
a wire for riveting I generally use the following proceduRe: 1. Make
a groove in the bench pin using a half round file with the flat
surface of the file facing away from you. In that way you develop a
vertical wall on the backside of the groove which will help
stabilize the wire as you point it.
- take the wire (not too long) and straighten it in the manner that
best suits you. You can then chuck the wire into the handpiece, (be
sure it is running true) and holding the handpiece in your left
hand, rotate the wire slowly. Place the rotating wire into the
groove, and holding a file on top of the wire begin filing as the
wire rotates. I do hope this is clear, but if not contact me and
I'll try to communicate a clearer description. Using this procedure I
make a very graceful and elegant shepherd's hook as a closure.
