EoW September 2007

feature

Picture courtesy of Temsa Diamond Die Division

‘Straight as a die’ – meet the professionals

N o one knows the derivation of the expression ‘straight as a die’ – or even what sort of die might be meant. But as an endorsement, probably more readily recognised throughout the English-speaking world than any other, it does very well as a maxim for the modern art of wire die making. A charming example of themind-set that informs this art can be found at www.touchmetal.com/ workshop/handmadewiredie.html, regarding a call for help from a jeweller seeking sources for wire drawing dies in a particular profile and over a specific range of sizes. A correspondent from New Zealand – evidently a friend of the establishment – comes to the rescue with a do-

it-yourself solution. He goes on to give a master course in die making in a few brief paragraphs. ‘Making a Wire Die’ is a model of confidence and concision. But, brief as it is, it reflects the same concerns that engage the die maker in a large, busy wire plant: ‘so the edges meet perfectly,’ ‘to the exact size,’ ‘carefully file,’ ‘on each piece accurately,’ ‘clean up the slot until it has a polish,’ ‘reduce the flat wire gently,’‘use wax as a lubricant,’ ‘anneal frequently.’ The message is clear. Wherever a wire die is being made – by loving hands at home, or in a state-of-the-art die shop – excellence is spoken here.

Have your TAKE-UP FRAME for wire locally manufactured according to original OFE OFENBAU FRITZ ENGINEERING drawings and specification lists.

V-Ring with pattern laying, 12, 24, 40 heads? € 33.000,

For a detailed offer send € 50, (refunded in case of order) to: account No.2914 36 469, BLZ 450 100 46, Postbank Dortmund (Germany), V. FRITZ

OFENBAU FRITZ GROUP Fax No . +49-2334-42717

Email angelafritz@web.de

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EuroWire – September 2007