Wire Wrapping: The Basics And Beyond
by Jim McIntosh
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Book Reviews of Wire Wrapping: The Basics And Beyond
Book Review: Not confident in author's suggestions of tools to use for wirework.
Summary: 2 Stars
Within the first few pages of this book, I read this:
"Would I go out and spend $50 on some flat nose pliers? Probably not. I can't see spending that kind of money on a tool that may not do any better than a pair of $7 pliers....I personally use the inexpensive tools, I have no idea why, I just do."
I have a real problem with these statements. If you have invested the money in this book, and invested money on copper or sterling silver wire, (which is very expensive these days) you do NOT want to skimp on the tools you will be using to learn these techniques. I know this because when I wanted to start doing wire work, I was sold the $7 kind and was told that they would be "good enough." Boy, was she wrong.
Even for people with incredible dexterity, the small inexpensive tools can be a very poor choice. They are more difficult to manipulate and can easily cause cramping and fatigue from repeatedly doing the same movements to create the necessary wire components. The cheaper tools are also often cheaply made, which can cause injury if the tool fails. In my eyes, the cheaper the tool, the more expensive it becomes when you have to keep replacing it. I went through 3 different "cheap" sets until I finally gave in and bought the "expensive" kind that made my job so much easier.
I understand an author/craftsman writing a book and wanting to share their own opinions, but with how many people are doing wirework, I feel that the author didn't really perform research to see what "most" people do in the way of tools. I just can't swallow the justification that the author buys tools because they are inexpensive - he doesn't even mention ever having tried something better...
He shows an image of chain nose pliers and I see that do not have a spring hinge. A set of pliers that has a spring hinge means that they only take pressure to close, but not open. (They "spring" back open.) A spring-less set of pliers requires movement to close & open the pliers. Twice the movement and they are MUCH harder to manipulate then even the cheapest pair of spring-hinged pliers.
I recommend getting a copy of a jewelry's tool catalog (like Rio Grande) and seeing the full sized illustrations and selecting ergonomic tools that are appropriate for your hand size. Swanstrom and Lindstrom are excellent choices. Well taken care of, they will retain most of their value you can always re-sell them if you decide that wire work isn't for you.
But if you do decide to start with quality tools, you will have made the better investment and will have such an easier time in developing consistent loops, etc. With a proper set of tools that you will progress faster and be less frustrated.
I highly recommend Bead on a Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry
Book Review: Wire Wrapping: The Basics and Beyond
Summary: 5 Stars
Wire Wrapping: The Basics and Beyond
I have not had time to start on the lessons yet, and have gone through the first section. It is very, very informative, and author makes it easy to understand. I went through it one time and am amazed at how much information I've retained. I bought some cabs and will begin back at the beginning of Section 1 shortly. I'll be using only round wire as that is all I have a bounty of, and I think it will work in spite of author suggesting half round, flat and square. Yes, all those wires are good, and they are also very expensive. So, I'll use the round wire and hope for the best. As for techniques, this book will give you everything you need to not only get started but to learn all the basics and then be able to move forward to making up your own designs.
I am very pleased with book, and the fact that the pictures are in black and white is a PLUS. You can concentrate on the HOW of the matter and look at your own creations for the color and glitz. When I read reviews before buying this book, a number of people were negative because of the black and white pictures. I learn better if not confused with a lot of color and shine.
You cannot go wrong with this book if serious about wire wrapping. If you can afford all the different types of wire, get them as it will make the projects easier. I'm using round wire because you can obtain nice wire for a decent price. I'll probably just use more strands with my thinner wire and see how it goes.
I bought the book almost new, and if the cover and pages are in good shape, it does not matter whether it is brand new or not. Enjoy!
Linda
Book Review: Best Wire Technique Book I've Found
Summary: 4 Stars
I've bought a lot of wire wrapping books and even a DVD, attempting to get really clear instructions on technique. Out of all of them, this is the best. It could be improved in some small ways: for example, the initial brief tutorial covers a few steps that may need to be referred back to when going through the projects, at least for those of us who don't retain detail at first pass. I'm not fond of looking back to where I came from to gather information and would much prefer to see each project include every detailed step as I go. Then again, once the basic technique is mastered, looking back is not likely to be needed. And no other book comes anywhere CLOSE to the detailed, clear steps that Jim presents for each project. So, other than that small objection, this book is my number one recommendation for learning wire wrapping and getting it down right. Is it worth the price of almost $30, considering the black and white photography? Well, put it this way: would you rather spend $30 to learn technique, or would you rather spend $30 for flashy pictures that leave you nearly as mystified as when you started? Wire Wrapping: The Basics and BeyondBook Review: Very well explained instructions
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent book. The author really has the vocation of teaching. Each proyect is very detailed explained with photos to help the reader understand what he is explaining. This is really a step by step explanation, because almost every minute step that is needed in the process is explained. Some books say that they give "step by step" explanations, but in reality they are only giving the "most important step by step" explanations. They skip many important explanations that you need to really understand what they are saying. In addition, the proyects are beautiful, and as he recommends they are only intended to get you started. From there you can use your own creativity to create your own pieces of jewelry. But the bases are well taught so you are better equiped to exploit your creativity. Excellent book, weel written, well explained. I recommend this book, specially to those who do not know anything about jewelry making. One little drawback, at least for me it is, is that all the photos are in black and white. It would have been great if they were in color, since in color you can better appreciate the beauty of the pieces.Book Review: Excellent wire wrapping text!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am relatively new to this area of jewelry work, and was looking for direction in managing cabachons that was not 'prefab'. This book is WONDERFUL not only because of the excellent step by step direction and photos, but for the earthy humor and readability. Mr. McIntosh is unbelievably generous in his detailed direction. I do not have wrapping classes available in my area, and was searching for a book to give me general direction so I could begin to learn. The directions Mr. McIntosh outlines are better than those I received in class or any other text. I followed them and made a beautiful wrap the first time, which I have found to be very unusual in the jewelry making.
I HIGHLY reccommend this book for the novice or experienced wrapper, as he has many techniques that are simple yet elegant, and can be applied to many types of jewelry. This is an absolute keeper for my library, and an inspiration for both my wire and polyclay items.