Recommendations Please

[JerseyPearl]

Hi everyone! So I have ventured into the world of tin cup making...and it has become clear that I need a much better set of wire cutters for jewelry making. I would appreciate any and all recommendations on which pair would be best. I really like working with 24 gauge wire, and I need something that can get a cleaner cut. Thanks!!!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Look for flush cut pliers. Lindstrom, Xuron and Swanstrons are all good brands.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I saved an article from an old Art Jewelry magazine on various types of cutters.

I already have semi-flush cutters (makes on end nearly flush and the other side beveled) and flush cutters (not good for wire thicker than 16 gauge). But they are no good for making jump rings. I also have memory wire cutters, which are very strong and cut thick wire.

My next pair -- which I plan to get soon-- will be double-flush cutters. The article calls these the "Cadillac of cutters". These leave almost no bur on either side of the wire (a nice clean cut on both sides) and can be used to make jump rings. The article says they are the "easiest to use". They are only good for 18 gauge and finer wires (which is fine for the 24 gauge you use.)
You may want to get these, too.

Other options listed arebevel cutters (good for heavier gauge wires but leave both ends pinched), super-flush a.k.a. ultra-flush cutters (have to be squeezed harder and must be used for wires finer than 18 gauge) andend cutters (which limit the angles you can cut from.)
Then there are oblique cutters which are like end cutters but get into tighter spaces, and cut wire not thicker than 18 gauge.

 

[pattye]

Good suggestions from Beatriz. I love my Lindstrom RX pliers and flush cutters My xuron cutter is least fav. Have not used Swanstrom, but they are rated highly.

 

[pattye]

PD double flush cutter sounds really great, Is there a certain brand of these? I hadn't heard of them before.

 

[pearlescence]

The only really right way to make jump rings is with a saw.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Pattye, I'm running out the door but I see them in Rio Grande.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

The only really right way to make jump rings is with a saw.

Yup! I can't see how a cutter won't distort the jump rings while cutting.

 

[GemGeek]

Great information.

 

[JerseyPearl]

You guys are always so helpful! Thank you.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Here is the pair of double-flush cutters I was checking out in the Rio catalog:
[h=4]Swanstrom Double-Flush Shear Cutters[/h]http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Swanstrom-Double_dash_Flush-Shear-Cutters/111063?Pos=7

"Designed for cutting jump rings and reducing metal waste. Get flush edges on both sides of the cut so you don't need to file jump rings before soldering! Cut wire up to 18 ga. along the jaw; a special notch near the joint lets you cut wire as heavy as 16 ga. A knurled set-screw allows you to set the jaws for the precise--and repeatable pressure you need."


If I get them I'll report back on how they do with jump rings. My husband has a jewelry saw but if these work, all the better.

 

[pattye]

So interesting; definitely pliers I've never seen before! Many thanks, Pearl Dreams!

 

[MSC]

Looking forward to reading that plier review!

 

[Katbran]

I agree with Wendy about jump rings...it seems faster and easier (it is) to just snip them but by the time you finish filing the ends to make them flat you may as well have used the saw.

I just have flush cutters and never heard of double flush..but I'm going to look them up now.