Nichrome wire is a very useful thing in the glass fusing world. Nichrome is shorthand for Nickel Chromium, which are the two main ingredients in Nichrome Wire. There are several different types of Nichrome, with different capabilities. These specs are from the manufacturer that I use, but each manufacturer may vary the percentages slightly, it will make little or no difference on fusing performance.
Nichrome 60
60% Nickel
16% Chromium
24% Iron
Maximum operating temperature of 2100F (1150C)
Nichrome 80
80% Nickel
18.5% Chromium
1.5% Silicon
Maximum operating temperature of 2156F (1180C)
I prefer the Nichrome 80, it maintains its shape well, and stays sturdy under multiple firings.
16 gauge: large animal legs and very heavy duty applications. This wire is much stronger than glass, so bend with caution.
18 gauge: medium animal legs and large jewelry applications. Bend this wire with caution, it can cause glass to chip at the fusing point.
20 gauge: jewelry and small animals. Fuse and Fold mold projects. Glass is stronger than this wire, and can be easily bent, some caution should be taken at fuse point to avoid chipping.
22 gauge: smaller jewelry items and pieces that will be finished with seed beads. This wire rarely causes chipping when bent at fuse point.
Generally I prefer to use 20 gauge Nichrome wire for jewelry. However, you can use 22 gauge for staple and twisted eye pin styles for small beads and dangles.
Loop Type Uses Staple- single or double sided (double
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