Date: Sat, 02 Feb 2002 22:00:33 -0500
Subject: Re: PUPT: Piano wire and hints on use.


puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu wrote:
> Piano wire is actually hardened steel, ...difficult to drill or flatten 
the steel rod.  The smaller diameter piano wire may be bent 
with some some banging on a vise or anvil, but the larger 
diameters tend to break unless they are heated first.  <

  Good info from Jim, as usual. However, I would like to point out 
that, ideally (like we all work in ideal conditions) one should not 
bang or pound on a vise. Most vises have a small anvil section to 
the back of the clamping section that is safe to pound on. 
  I personally have not had piano wire break when bent, 
regardless of the thickness, but I don't pound it to bend it. Don't 
know if that makes the difference or not. Or maybe I don't use it 
as much as Jim. At any rate, I find it better to clamp it and then 
bend it to the angle or shape needed. If you want a loop that is 
fairly true (round, as opposed to oval or some other shape) 
clamp it to a dowel or metal rod somewhat smaller than the 
circle you want and bend it around the dowel/rod. After a little 
practice you'll be able to anticipate how much it will spring back 
and know how much to overbend to compensate. 
  As for cutting it, someone ( I think it was Joe D.) recommended 
a dremel and cut off tool. This would work fine but a good pair of 
lineman's pliars will work with most of the sizes the  average 
puppeteer would work with. You do end up with that not smooth 
end though. If that is a problem for the application, you're 
probably better off with a dremel.
Christopher
  


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