Broken Hearted :(

[Tela]

Some Mondays, it's better to stay in bed.

I have been working my tail off trying to get a tute done for fusing copper hearts. Considering the limitations of writing a pdf on torching, I have decided it is best to explore video with this, at a later time. It's really hard to explain fire. I have a big stack of hearts in various stages of success to prove for trying.

While doing these, I broke my Lindstrom cutters. It was the little spring in the RX that broke. Replaceable, yes, but they are old and getting dull- so I broke down and got a new pair.

Attachments:

[christine]

So sorry to hear about your cutters. They have served you well for a long time.

[Renate]

Too bad you broke your trusty cutter. I hope the week has improved since then .

[Tela]

Rio broke a record getting my order to me!!! I don't know how they got it to me so quick. I got new Lindstrom cutters and a lb of 18g copper in TWO DAYS! Now that I have new cutters, I realize how dull my old ones were.

[maryalece]

Tela, do you think the Lindstrom cutters are the way to go? I have bought more cutters than I can count, and they have all turned out to be crap. I know that they won't last forever, but I just want something that will at least give me a decent cut. So that's why I ask? I have heard that Xuron are good, but I am at a loss to know what to get this time around. Any advice would be helpful and appreciated :-D

[shiny]

Maryalece, I've had the heavy-duty Xuron cutters for about six months now, and just ordered a different pair of Xurons because they were so dull. I've never heard anything good about Lindstrom cutters or their expensive price tag.

If anybody has something wonderful, please let us know. I want something that can handle 14-gauge.

[Renate]

I while ago I've heard good things about some unnamed Italian cutters, which were rather elusive, but just today I discovered them on Wired up Beads, and there's even a heavy duty model. And the prices are good.

I'm trying to remember to use my memory wire cutters where possible. They give a rather flush cut, but are awkward in narrow spaces or when precision is required. The idea is to save the expensive cutters for when there is no alternative, and hopefully extend their life.

I wonder if anyone has ever tried Tronex? I start to drool when I read their descriptions. They not only have flush, they have ven RAZOR flush cutters!
www.tronextools.com/products.html

[livewire]

Renate, I have a pair of Tronex 7223, razor flush, ergonomic handles. They do give a good, flush cut, but they are for only relatively fine wire. I think 20 ga (.8 mm), 22 ga. for the tip of the cutter.

I rarely use them, as I often use heavier wire.

Joyce

[sarahsequins]

Tela, I'm sorry your cutters broke! Maybe I'm a weirdo, but when tools break, it's almost like losing a friend.

But it sounds like you needed new ones, and they arrived quickly -- so that's awesome!

For the record, since we're talking cutters, when it comes to cutting really thick wire I use a jeweler's saw. Which is great if you're not cutting several pieces and just making a neck wire -- there's way less filing!

[Tela]

I now have a jeweler's sa, thanks to DH. I'll remember that tip. The biggest I have had to cut is 12g wire and my heavy Lindstroms have been good for that. Too bad the small ones are basically useless and new!!! I ended up getting another pair of cutters, some Italian ones that are awesome.