Have some silver wire inlay questions...

[Indiana]

OK, I am taking John Schippers class on silver wire inlay at Conner Prarie next month and have some questions before I go.  I've never even tried wire inlay, so this will be new to me, but I hope it will really enhance the quality and appearance of my builds.  

First off, I need to find some .999 Fine Silver Cloisonne Strip, Dead Soft, .060" x .005".  It should be availible from Rio Grande, but it is out of stock.  I am going to email them and see when it will be back in stock, but I was wondering where you all got your wire for inlay?

I am also wondering if you have any advice or tips for me so I at least have some idea of what they are talking about in there.  What are some terms used, etc?  Are there any good books on wire inlay/wire inlay designs/etc?

Other than that, what tools will I really need?  I have a list of tools to bring, but what are your preferred tools to use?

Thanks a lot guys!

[BEAVERMAN]

Patrick, google up silver wire inlay, there are several tutorials out there by Mike Brooks and others with pictures, I believe we have a tutorial by wyosmith in this section and if you go to the americanlongrifles.com site theres also some tutorials and discussions over there, hope this helps.

[melsdad]

Indians try this link, unless you have already checked it out. Good pictures and clear information along with other tutorials.

http://www.davidpriceflintlocks.com/id22.html

I am sure our own wyosmith, or captchee will be along anytime with some quality advice as well.

[Hank in WV]

Does Rio Grande have a web site?

[tall bear]

Indiana
I am currently making a new set of tools for silver inlay for a New England gun I am making.There are many methods but I learned this from Wallace Gusler and Gary Brumfield so its pretty good I think!!The tools below are not quite finished but you get the idea.They are made from cheap home depot screwdrivers.The first step is to draw your design.The two tools on the right are used to stamp in that design in creating a slot to insert the wire into(smaller tools for tighter radius's).The tools are lense shaped so the don't create square corners and work around curves.The two tools on the left are flat on the botton with a depth stop .The depth stop is set using the width of your wire.After using the tools on the right you go back over the design with the tools on the left to set the depth with a nice flat bottom.The wire is then inserted into the slot that you've made and the wood is wet to close the slot on the wire.It's a good idea to put some barbs on the wire.This can be done by putting the wire in a vice and tapping a chisel on the bottom side of the wire perpedicular to the wire itself.You wet the stock after you put in each wire not after all the wire is  done.If you have trouble finding your wire try this company This is where Iget all my silver
http://www.metalliferous.com/silver.php.


Mitch

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