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nichrome wire - ok to what temp?

updated wed 7 nov 07

 

Michell Follett on mon 5 nov 07


I want to incorporate nichrome wire into a hand-built project I'm working
on. I've made tiles, drilled holes in them and would like to connect them
with the nichrome wire. I'd like to glaze-fire the tiles, connected by the
wire (and laying flat). Is it possible to bring the wire up to cone 10?

I've read in the archives that the wire will sag when used as support and
deteriorated when used more than a few times as a basket in raku firing.
The piece I'm working on won't require the wire as support while being
fired, but I would like to hang it once fired, so the wire does need to
maintain integrity.

I believe I purchased rather thin wire - possibly 20 gauge.

Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.

~Michell

Snail Scott on tue 6 nov 07


Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2007 20:32:56 -0500
From: Michell Follett
Subject: Nichrome wire - OK to what temp?

I want to incorporate nichrome wire into a hand-built project I'm
working
on...^10...


It may hold together, but it will be weakened and sort of
unattractive looking. Why not attach wire after firing?
You can pick the look of it more freely from many types
of nice-looking wire. Make sure that the clay has a good
attachment point for the wire, then epoxy it in place after
firing. Don't rely solely on the epoxy to hold a substantial
weight, but if there is a 'socket' or lug to hold the wire
mechanically (in addition to the glue), it will do very well.

-Snail

Diane Palmquist on tue 6 nov 07


I took a workshop with someone who adds this to her animals. She uses it
for attachments and knobs on lids. Of course for the latter you need to make
sure it is stable. An idea is to put a wad of clay on the underside to hold
it on securely. It looks really good-burned and all. She said that it is
rated to all temps. You need to ask when you buy it. Good luck!
Diane
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michell Follett"
To:
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 8:32 PM
Subject: Nichrome wire - OK to what temp?


>I want to incorporate nichrome wire into a hand-built project I'm working
> on. I've made tiles, drilled holes in them and would like to connect them
> with the nichrome wire. I'd like to glaze-fire the tiles, connected by
> the
> wire (and laying flat). Is it possible to bring the wire up to cone 10?
>
> I've read in the archives that the wire will sag when used as support and
> deteriorated when used more than a few times as a basket in raku firing.
> The piece I'm working on won't require the wire as support while being
> fired, but I would like to hang it once fired, so the wire does need to
> maintain integrity.
>
> I believe I purchased rather thin wire - possibly 20 gauge.
>
> Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.
>
> ~Michell
>
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Bruce Girrell on tue 6 nov 07


I use nichrome to attach the porcelain buttons to my RFC door on our kiln.
The wire has taken ^10 many times and up to at least ^13 on occasion


Bruce Girrell