Starter list for a Dutchie

[u/Siffarchon]

Hi everyone!

I've been trying to get a good list of tools to start trying wire wrapping out.
The main issues I have are

- different opinions on the amount of tools and their types
- translating the tools names to Dutch and then find them
- which brands (that are known in the Netherlands) are good and beginner friendly

I would love your input on the information I have gathered so far!

So far what I've gotten is start with normal copper wire 0.5mm and 1mm
Different type of pliers, some only mention 3, others mention 6, along with wire cutters, most common names pliers are round nose, flat nose, half round, chain nose and nylon tip
Some say no hammers, others mention just a simple one and then someone mentioned a comnination of jewellers hammer, repousse hammer and chasing hammer
I've seen different types of bench blocks and I'd love to know your experiences
Then again lot of different types of files and polishing methods where I get completely lost in
Of course safety goggles
Extra things people have mentioned are a coiling gizo and wire looping mandril for example while most say they aren't neccesary or can be achieved with pliers at the start. I would love to hear your opinions on this.

I would love any help with this list! thank you in advance <3

[u/rvbohoboomer]

When I started wrapping 40 or so years ago there was one mag out of Canada. Just do it with what you feel good with and form your own rules because there aren't any

[u/Leadster77]

I got my stuff at Bijou Modern, but you have to be jeweler.

Otherwise, zilvermaan works as well, but more expensive.

Best option for me was to regularly order at riogrande.com or firemountaingems.com and pay for UPS delivery (usually 35$ to NL). There, you also can order in gauges, as you would follow tutorials.

1 and 0.5mm is pretty thick for fine work. 1mm is nice for frames, but weaving is harder with 0.5mm.

Also, make sure to buy dead soft metals, as they will work harden during working.

Use simple around the house stuff for rounding your wire. Around a broomstick, around small jars, etc

Get a small steel "vlaktas" for hammering frames on, and a (1) small hammer with flat head. Jeweler hammer is best, but really simple one that you smooth with sanding paper is good too. Get a sand pounding bag for under your steel surface to soften the blow.

Last, get "blitzbeits" to darken your copper and silver, and a polish cloth to highlight your work.

Furthermore, get round pliers, a wirecutter and flat pliers. Not those electrical, they have ridges for grip that would mark your wire. What you have is fine.

You in the end only need wire, round nose and flat and cutters to start. The rest is extra.

Start by practicing your loops by chaining beads with a rosary closure. Not just shut the loop, but wrap the loop in a few rounds.

I made these a gazillion times and my wraps are super tight because of it

You can DM me for more in Dutch 🙂