Question: Wire Gauges for Different Flat Graver Sizes

Jonathans · Oct 20, 2016

Noob question.
I've been searching for this but have not found a matrix showing which gauge wire to use for the different flat graver widths.
Is this readily available?
Thanks

John B. · Oct 20, 2016

Jonathans,
That would depend on whether you are going for a flush or raised line and also how deep you make the cut.
For flush I usually figure on 120-130% of the volume of the cut.
For raised linework I usually start with about 200% of the volume, set and shape to contour and size.

mitch · Oct 20, 2016

Jonathans- that's something that will answer itself with experience. variations in inlay technique and personal variables can make a huge difference from one engraver to another. for example, many years ago i was doing a couple rifle projects that had a LOT of gold line borders, maybe .012" wide. there was so much that i drew about a mile of wire to a specific diameter just for the purpose. later at a Guild show i was comparing notes with Terry Wallace and he said he tended to draw wire no finer than would barely fit within the cut channel, then expected it to flow along ahead of the punch as the cavity was filled. iirc, he said sometimes he'd use only an inch of wire to fill 2-3" of the undercut groove.

Jonathans · Oct 20, 2016

I'm basically trying to figure out, if I use a #36 flat, and am doing a flush inlay, what gauge wire to get. I just don't want to spend good $ on the wrong size!

oiseau metal arts · Oct 20, 2016

measure the width of the tool, then order wire to fit.

DKanger · Oct 20, 2016

Order fat wire and get a drawplate to pull it down to the size needed. That way you don't have to order a specific size of wire.

Dave London · Oct 20, 2016

Sounds like you are new to inlay, MTC start with copper wire or .999 silver. Cheap and good practice

Sam · Oct 20, 2016

Get a drawplate, order some 18ga 24k round wire, and draw to whatever sizes you need. There is no reliable flat graver to wire size chart as flat gravers will often vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Jonathans · Oct 20, 2016

The drawplate/18ga solution sounds like it will cover any circumstance I'll likely encounter. Now to go to Youtube to figure out how to use a drawplate!
Thanks for the help.

Dave London · Oct 20, 2016

Get the carbide draw plate

Jonathans · Oct 20, 2016

Got it. I ordered a carbide draw plate, some 18ga soft brass and copper wire, and a little 20ga 24k gold (the 18ga 24k is mighty spendy!). This is plenty to keep me busy with the little bit I learned at the GRS basic class. I have plenty of skill exercises to work on.

Question: Wire Gauges for Different Flat Graver Sizes

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