Jan 8, 2010

What cutters work best for each project?

We will start the first question for Universal Beads & More that most people always ask us.

"People have said that there are particular cutters I should use for different project, but which ones do I use where? And can I just use scissors for things like Soft Flex"

" No, you shouldn't use scissors on Soft Flex or any beading wire. Since they're made from steel, they will chip up and destroy scissors very quickly. You also can't get a nice close cut. You should use a pair of wire cutters,
but not your best cutters to prolong their life. You also shouldn't use the cheapest pair you can find. Just like scissors, they'll get beaten up very quickly. Use a mid-range pair and when possible, cut further down the blades
to prolong the life of the fine tips.

For wire projects the easiest guideline is that the more you pay for your cutters, the finer and better the cuts you will get and the longer they will last. If you need to make a flush cut (one with an absolute flat edge, and no bevelling), find a pair of cutters that advertises that it gives a bevelled cut, and once again, the better quality, the better the cuts.

This gets really important if you will be making ear wires, or cutting rings to be fused or soldered, or any place where there can't be any sharp finish."

Hope this helps everyone!

1 comment:

  1. I completely agree. Since Soft Flex is braided, it also tends to fray when cut with scissors because the cut is not sharp enough. A nice pair of cutters are an important asset in a beader's toolbox. :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for comment!

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