- Thread starter
- #21
serrin- i'm sorry to say that i can't recommend a book for you to use to get started. pretty much everything i do is self-taught, though i got started in a sculpture class in college. my advice to you is to go to the hardware store and buy a roll of baling wire. it's fairly cheap; it shouldn't cost over $5. then just experiment with making shapes and joints out of it until you feel confident enough to make something more intricate. there's a lot of trial and error involved, so i would start small.
i think the most important part of my process is the pliers i use. i use Klein brand side-cutting pliers that are spring loaded. Klein specializes in tools for electricians, so they're good for working with wire. they are a little pricey, but they're worth it. i've had this pair since 2002, and they've been through a lot and even been set on fire, but they keep on ticking. unlike a lot of needle-nose pliers, they have less serration on the jaws, so they don't gouge up the wire too much. whichever brand you choose, make sure they are at least spring loaded. here's the exact kind i use:
http://www.service.kleintools.com/T...ing PLIERS-LONGNOSE-STDLNGNSC/Product/D203-6C
be prepared to get blisters on your plier hand, especially the ring and pinky fingers. sometimes i preempt blisters by putting bandaids on the spots that get the worst friction.
enjoy!
i think the most important part of my process is the pliers i use. i use Klein brand side-cutting pliers that are spring loaded. Klein specializes in tools for electricians, so they're good for working with wire. they are a little pricey, but they're worth it. i've had this pair since 2002, and they've been through a lot and even been set on fire, but they keep on ticking. unlike a lot of needle-nose pliers, they have less serration on the jaws, so they don't gouge up the wire too much. whichever brand you choose, make sure they are at least spring loaded. here's the exact kind i use:
http://www.service.kleintools.com/T...ing PLIERS-LONGNOSE-STDLNGNSC/Product/D203-6C
be prepared to get blisters on your plier hand, especially the ring and pinky fingers. sometimes i preempt blisters by putting bandaids on the spots that get the worst friction.
enjoy!
