A lot can be accomplished with a couple pair of pliers and cutters, but, additional equipment will make your wire bending life a whole lot easier. Below I have given you two lists to consider when purchasing your tools and equipment.

The first is a Starter Kit that will allow you to get your feet (or, should I say hands?) wet. Even with this kit you can make incredible jewelry. Notice that I suggest that you get excellent pliers even in the Starter Kit. Your pliers are the most important tools you will own so don't skimp when making this purchase. The most expensive pliers I ever bought were the first ones - $8.00 apiece - what a bargain, right? Wrong. They lasted 2-3 weeks and made my life miserable (well, not quite, but they were frustrating).

The "In The Money" List will increase the flexibility of what you can do with wire and in some cases make your wire bending efforts easier.

Many of the tools listed here are available for sale individually or in kits on my website - see Tools Page or click individual links below. A star (*) precedes the tools I have available.

Starter List
Starred Items available as a Starter Kit

*	Flat nose pliers: Lindstrom #7490
*	Chain nose pliers: Lindstrom #7893
*	Round nose pliers - extra long jaws: German made premium quality
*	Micro-bevel cutter - needed to cut up to 12 gauge wire: Lindstrom #8160
*	Ball Pein hammer: Master Quality
*	Nylon Head mallet: 1-1/16" x 3-1/4" head
*	Steel bench block: 2-1/2 inches x 2-1/2 inches
*	File: #2 cut equalling needle file
	Ruler: preferably one that has mm measurements also
	Mandrels: large nails, wooden dowels, pens, etc.

"In the Money" List
Starred Items available as a "In The Money Kit"

*	Flat nose pliers: Lindstrom #7490
*	Chain nose pliers: Lindstrom #7893
*	Round nose pliers - extra long jaws: German made premium quality
*	Small round nose pliers: Lindstrom #7590
*	Micro-bevel cutter - needed to cut up to 12 gauge wire: Lindstrom #8160
*	Ball Pein hammer: Master Quality
*	Nylon Head mallet: 1-1/16" x 3-1/4" head
*	Steel bench block: 2-1/2 inches x 2-1/2 inches
*	File: #0 cut equalling needle file for coarse filing
*	File: #2 cut equalling needle file
*	File: #4 cut equalling needle file for fine filing
*	Liver of sulfur to oxidize your jewelry
*	Bead Reamer: with 3 tips for reaming beads
*	Color Wheel: 9" in diameter
*	Pliers with nylon jaws to straighten wire
	Ruler: preferably one that has mm measurements also
	Mandrels: large nails, wooden dowels, pens, etc.

Wire

If you are just getting started in making wire jewelry, I suggest you practice with copper wire. It is MUCH less expensive than sterling silver and, thus, will reduce your stress as you learn. When you are ready, jump into sterling silver wire and you will be delighted. It is even easier to use than copper. You should have the following round wire gauges to practice with:

14 gauge dead soft copper or dead soft .925 silver
16 gauge dead soft copper or dead soft .925 silver
18 gauge dead soft copper or dead soft .925 silver
20 gauge dead soft copper or dead soft .925 silver
22 gauge dead soft copper or dead soft .925 silver

Both Sterling Silver Wire and Copper Wire are available in the above gauges on my website. Please use the following links to see all the various Wire and Sheet Metal Shapes available.

Do enjoy yourself, even as you practice. If you have any questions regarding wire or tools, please feel free to e-mail me at: cfox@san.rr.com.

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