Wire turks heads

[Eric Estlund]

I'm working on learning how to tie twisted wire turks heads in steel wire. Just curious how these tie in other softer materials, specifically brass or silver?

 

I assume any will work harden a bit with the initial wire twisting. I'm also finding that steel wire has a certain propencity to kink when threading the bends, and wondering if other materials are similar?

 

[Alan Longmire]

I haven't done it, but I assume you're annealing often during the process?

[Eric Estlund]

Not at all. The wire comes dead soft. I twist it up and then go right into tying it. I have spot annealed kinks, but those pieces have died for other reasons. 

 

Edit- I tied a couple in paracord, and have just been tying a bunch today on different mandrals to see if I can predict final ID.  Get as far as the first sequence on the mandral, then do it freehand as that seems easier to feed and to keep the strands parallel.

 

These are working out ok, and I want to use iron for this project, just wondering how other materials are for future use.

Edited September 25 by Eric Estlund

[Eric Estlund]

As a follow up, sockets make very handy mandrals in a wide range of sizes. Once you tie a few and get reliable tension, they are fairly predictable for id. 

 

While Im sure these can be tied in situ, having easy access to the outside and inside makes lacing easier.

[Carlos Lara]

I think what Alan means is that if you make them out of a copper alloy, you'll need to anneal them repeatedly to help prevent them from snapping! Mild steel should remain soft though, no need to keep annnealing it.

[Alan Longmire]

Even soft iron binding wire will work-harden if you twist it up.  As I said, I've never done a turk's head in metal, but I do know the wire will get hard to work with if not annealed often.  With copper alloy wire (nugold is what I've worked with) I find it needs annealing after every step when making beaded wire or filigree wire.

[Eric Estlund]

In my very limited experience, any work hardening of dead soft iron wire doesnt seem to negatively impact threading one of these. Others may have different experiences.

 

[Alan Longmire]

That is indeed beautiful work!  And you do have more experience with it than I do.  I only know brass wire.

[Eric Estlund]

Its's only a theory, but I imagine the limited work hardening helps it hold its shape. I'm sure its mostly academic in practice.

 

I'll have to get some more brass and coppwr to play with. Maybe sterling if I feel brave.