For this project, you will make a wiggle cut-off wire for use with either thrown or hand-built objects. A wiggle wire is a cutoff wire that is curvy, so it makes a more dynamic, undulating surface either on the bottom of a thrown pot, or it can be used for faceting wire, or making clay slabs with a curvy surface.

Materials Needed

• Wire: 24-gauge stainless steel wire.
• Mandrel: A thin object to wrap the wire around, such as a large nail or a welding rod.
• Tools: Power drill, wire cutters, and needle-nose pliers.
• Handles: Epoxy putty (such as QuikWood) and nitrile gloves for mixing.

https://youtu.be/XfFGN1tMZG4

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wire
   • Cut a length of 24-gauge stainless steel wire using your wire cutters.
   • Wrap one end of the wire securely around the end of your mandrel (the nail or welding rod).
2. Create the Coil
   • Insert the end of the mandrel (with the wire attached) into the chuck of your power drill.
   • Hold the loose end of the wire tight and run the drill slowly to wrap the wire around the mandrel. Ensure the wire does not overlap itself, creating a tight, uniform spring.
   • Make the coil slightly longer than you need, as it is easier to trim it down later than to add more length.
3. Remove and Stretch
   • Loosen the wire from the drill and slide the coil off the mandrel.
   • Grasp both ends of the coil and pull them apart to stretch the spring out. This creates the specific "wiggle" pattern used for texturing clay.
4. Prepare the Ends for Handles
   • Using needle-nose pliers, mangle or "knot" the ends of the wire into small, messy balls.
   • These balled-up ends act as anchors so the wire doesn't pull out of the handles later.
5. Attach the Handles
   • Mix your epoxy putty by kneading the resin and hardener together until the color is uniform.
   • Divide the putty into two equal pieces for the handles.
   • Press one balled-up end of the wire into a piece of putty and mold it into a comfortable shape (such as a peanut or cylinder) around the wire. Repeat this process for the other side.
6. Curing and Finishing
   • Allow the epoxy to cure. While many putties set quickly, it is best to wait 24 hours for the handles to reach maximum strength.
   • Once fully hardened, your wiggle wire is ready to be used for cutting pots off the wheel or creating decorative patterns on clay slabs.

Resource videos:

https://youtu.be/NijciQGskL0?si=dDOpecGsM2fQXfW1