I make my own style earwires using 20 gauge round wire. I pound out
a section into a modified diamond shape, then cut and shape into a
French style hook.
I generally pound out about 2 feet of wire, then cut. It seems to me
that since these are consistently cut to two inch lengths, with the
pounded section in the same location on that section, that this
could be automated. Does anyone know if, or how this could be done.
I’ve often thought there might even be a market for these earwires,
because they are very attractive, and good sellers; but ovbiously,
pounding each by hand does not make them a viable product.
You might try a press, like an arbor press, with a copper tube the
correct length and a gap for the anvil. Use your flat to put under
the arbor, and press against the flat. With the tube the right
length and all you would have to do is pull wire, press, cut and
bend. You could epoxy the tube to the flat, it would be easy enough
to get off when you were done. Mark your tube so you can glue it on
in the right spot when you needed to do it again.
I might do this with a kick press. Old technology. A die would have
to be machined. Say 2 precut lengths of wire set in the die, one
kick and the polished hammer comes down and you have a matched pair.
You can often find kick presses at used tool and equipment shops. A
machine shop would help you with the die.
Bill
Thank you, Bill, Deborah, Michele & Sarah
Reactive Metals Studio, Inc.