A jig for wire wrapping handles.

[Einar]

7 hours ago, Brian Dougherty said:

For some patterns you need two wires twisted opposite directions.  However, you need to keep the twist rate the same on both.  I've had really good luck doing this by setting my cordless drill to it's slowest speed, and using a stopwatch or a timer to make sure I twist both strands the same amount of time. (In opposite directions)  The few revolutions of difference I am undoubtedly getting between the two strands isn't noticeable over the 10 or 15 feet of wire. 

 

I just make sure that the wires are equal length, twist one until I am happy with the rate of twist, note how much shorter it got during the twisting, and when twisting the other strand the oposite way, I make sure they shortened by the same amount. 

[Harry Marinakis]

Every time that I've tried twisting wire with a drill, I end up with a giant spring. When I release tension on the twisted wire, the thing immediately balls up into a tight bird's nest. However, every time I see someone else do it, that bird's nest never happens.

 

I'm not twisting any more tightly than what I see here in these videos, so What am I doing wrong?

 

Edited May 15, 2020 by Harry Marinakis

[Einar]

15 hours ago, Harry Marinakis said:

Every time that I've tried twisting wire with a drill, I end up with a giant spring. When I release tension on the twisted wire, the thing immediately balls up into a tight bird's nest. However, every time I see someone else do it, that bird's nest never happens.

 

I'm not twisting any more tightly than what I see here in these videos, so What am I doing wrong?

 

 

Reverse the direction of the drill and spin it back for a little while. But its hard to judge if you have spun it back enough, so I always pinch the wire TIGHTLY between thumb and forefinger when I release it from the drill. Then I gradually ease off the pressure and let it spin until it has sprung back as much as it needs to. 

[Charles dP]

On 5/8/2020 at 8:24 PM, Dave Stephens said:

I've been looking everywhere for those thing!

Just because you reminded me, I keep thinking I want to try one of these:

 

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/american-woodworker-blog/mortising-drill-press/

[Brian Madigan]

On 6/9/2020 at 1:27 AM, Charles dP said:

Just because you reminded me, I keep thinking I want to try one of these:

 

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/american-woodworker-blog/mortising-drill-press/

 

They don't work well on the end grain! Across the grain they work great. 

[Charles dP]

2 hours ago, Brian Madigan said:

 

They don't work well on the end grain! Across the grain they work great. 

Thanks Brian. Saved me a few bob there.