Tips and Tricks at the Bench

Making Half-Round Wire

Many times a bench jeweler is in need of half round wire. Be it to make a plain wedding band, or some portion of a shank, for repair or decoration. Of course the simplest way is to buy it ready made, but that too has its issues. Is it the right size? Is it the kind you need? etc.

This little and easy method will show how to make that wire.

• You need a Rolling Mill,
• Draw plate and tongs
• Torch set-up for annealing

1-Begin with square wire and roll it down, so that the wire when folded over will be exactly square

2-Fold the wire on top of itself and anneal

3-File a point on one end, so that it can be grabbed by Drawing tongs

4- Pull the wire in the folded condition through the draw plate holes until you reach the desired diameter.

5-The folded wire will be totally round. At this time it can be annealed if needed and polished if that is desired

6- Unfold the wire and thus reveal two halves, which are half-round. Cur to the desired length and use as needed.

½ round wire, ready for use