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DerekMerdinyan Inner circle 1030 Posts |
Someone told me to but memory wire. I got some for a dollar, it doesn't work. I shape the wire and it stays that way, if I bend it again, it wont "snap" back to the orignal position. Anyone know where I can get this wire, you know, that works!
Derek Merdinyan |
Grandillusionsmagic Loyal user 270 Posts |
When I couldn't find any spring wire I pulled out an old small tape measure. the one that is under a quarter inch. then I took them appart and used that mettal. there are two parts the tape itself and the recoil mechanism they both worked for me.
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I think there may have been some confusion of terms with memory wire. The memory wire I am familiar with returns to its pre-set shape with heat. Piano, or music wire tends to have a memory in that it springs back. It is far less malleable than say, paper clip wire, or stove pipe wire, but it can be bent to shape to a certain degree. It is commonly used in feather bouquets, but not paper spring flowers. The tape measure, as mentioned is the ticket. There are at least two types, metal and mylar. I have used metal with good success, but have not tried mylar. The metal would not bend to a sharp angle (the apex of the "V") to form the two "wings" without snapping, but it was possible to take a piece that was 1/2" wide and cut it down the center, leaving about 1/2" - 3/4" uncut at one end. This end formed the calyx of the flower, the end where the stem would attach, or in this case, the string. The two "wings" would be formed by curling the two halves just cut in opposite directions. I have seen this illustrated in some book, and I will dig around to see if I can find that source again. I have made hundreds of spring flowers this way, and they are superior to most on the market.
~michael
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
DerekMerdinyan Inner circle 1030 Posts |
Thanks! I have been meaning to go and buy a cheep tape measure to try this out.
I am wondering what that very flat metal that they use in spring flowers is called. Derek Merdinyan |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
A tape measure is not going to be very satisfactory. You need blue tempered spring steel. You can various shim stock at machinists supply depots.
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
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