Jewelry Tip: Annealing Wire

In this "Tip of the Day" I will show you how to anneal wire by making a "nest" and what to look for to know that it is annealed.
You need a kiln or a torch to anneal metal. The household oven doesn't reach the 1200° F (648°C) that silver needs to reach. Copper, that's a tough one, I've found annealing temperatures from 700°F (371°C) to 1200°F (649°C). Pick one. Good luck and happy annealing!

For more jewelry tutorials and information, please visit:

http://www.nancylthamilton.com

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for watching!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• jewelry
• tutorial
• tips
• Nancy LT Hamilton
• how to
• diy
• art
• creativity
• design
• tip of the day
• annealing
• wire
• solder
• torch
• copper
• cutting wire

[turcotp]

Hi Nancy, What is the best method to anneal sterling silver wire??? I'm wanting to make a graduated chain maille necklace, wire sizes from 22 to 12, do I need anneal all the wire sizes??

[nancylthamilton]

@turcotp Hi Turcotp, Well, the best method for chain maille would be to buy wire that is the temper you want it. From what I've read, sterling silver should be 1/2 hard, fine silver full hard. If your metal is too stiff to work with, just anneal it with the "nest" technique, as shown in the video. It's the same technique no matter what type of wire. If all your wires from 12-22 are too stiff to work with, then they all should be annealed. If only a few, only anneal those. Good luck. N

[nancylthamilton]

Anisarama, please check out my "Links" page on my website. I've posted information on European suppliers there. You can also check with a local hardware store or DIY store. Good luck and thanks for watching. N

[nancylthamilton]

Hi forever, annealing wire and sheet metal, softens it and makes it easier to bend, work and form. Without annealing metal would become work hardened and would eventually crack from overuse. It is not pickle juice. It is an acid based material for removing oxides that form when using the torch. There are different types out there. It's just called pickle. I'm sure there's a reason but, I don't know it. Thanks for watching and commenting. Have fun.

[nancylthamilton]

Thanks, glad it was helpful and thanks for taking the time to write! N

[turcotp]

@nancylthamilton Hey Nancy!

Thanx for the quick reply I know how busy you must be :D

I refer to your site and videos all the time!!

[anisarama]

nancy, I am in desperate search for a bit more portable gas torch that you are using for copper - could you recommend any website where I could purchase it from? I live in Europe.

[ForeveRChristin]

Thanks so much! I finally got my parents to let me buy a soldering torch and such. I'm excited to start designing. Your definitely my inspiration! Thanks again!

[ForeveRChristin]

What is the purpose of annealing wire? What does it do.

Also, when you use the pickle juice what does it do?

[evealexsis]

Thanks for posting, its a very helpful video.