Flying Wire Bits

[Enchantra]

I work a lot with headpins and various wire types in my studio.  When I cut any wire I try to guard the piece with my hand and cut it away from me so that the wire doesn't go flying or if it does, it at least goes away from me.

I may eventually be teaching classes soon at a place locally.  If I'm showing people how to cut wire I don't need wire hitting people who are learning how to work with it.  Any other thoughts on how to keeps bits from flying? 

I already shield the piece with my hand when cutting and cut away from me.

Thanks.   

[hulagrub]

Cut down towards a mousepad, with the inner part of the cutters facing down.

[doxallo]

I place my finger over the end, or sometimes between my fingers, and actually hold the end that is being cut off, so there is no flying piece.

If its up next to a bead, a wrapped loop for instance, I position my cutters then place the entire thing down into the hollow of my other hand and close my hand completely around the entire thing so the snip goes into my hand.

alternately you can lay a towel over the hands when the actual cut is made.

[mirkaba]

I put my camera bowl over a paper towel and cut under it.  Last spring I had about a 6 grain chunk of 12k go winging off my anvil into the closet. It is still MIA.

[Deb]

Hey Enchantra,

Good to see you on.

I also use the bottom side of a mouse pad when I wirewrap.  It
helps with flying objects.

Good luck with teaching.

Deb 

[Enchantra]

Thanks for the tips!
I'll have to see if anyone has any mousepads hanging around here at home.  Last I knew we all had optical mice and mousepads were a thing of the past..