Ridgewayforge Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I have an offer from a luthier that he can give me old, used guitar strings and frets. I like free things, but I really wonder if that's worth it. So, my query is as follows: What can a blacksmith do (if anything) with guitar strings and frets? Thank you for your time and wisdom, one day I'll pass it on! ~Ridgeway Forge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.Hollowood Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Possibly cable damascus? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Wor heat does it take to forge weld the steel part of the strings and wot would that heat do to the outer windings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccustomknives Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Probably more trouble than they are worth. I cant imagine how long it would take to get the bronze covering off the top 4 strings. The bottom 2 don't have the covering but are sometimes coated. They can be so small decarborization can be a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McPherson Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I think they would be a nice addition to wind chimes, and should certainly last forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oof Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 i use fishing leader or used guitar strings to make small springs. mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Smith Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 The smaller ones are perfect for colonial cheese cutters or something similar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanBrassaw Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Electric guitar string don't have a bronze coating. With or without, they could make a nice wrapping for really small bundled legs (for a bowl or small vessel, say). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfshieldrx Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 The smaller ones are perfect for colonial cheese cutters or something similar Ditto. Done it. Works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazeyladyfarms Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 I use the to cut sheet tin by pulling it through it just use a good rod to hang onto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgewayforge Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thanks all for the advice! I think I am going to make a colonial cheese cutter: the simplicity and grace of them really have me interested! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FieryFurnace Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Sounds like they'd make neat vines on forge welded trees! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 They might also make nice wraps on knife handles. I like the idea of using them on wind chimes. As for Damascus, if it worked at all, it would take a termendous amount of them but it should make a very interesting pattern. Give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Never even thought about guitar strings! A lot of the wraps I see on projects seem like too much, either the scale or mass of them is just too big or too cluttered or too bland for the rest of the piece. I'm going to have to look into getting some strings and tinkering with them. Great idea!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pulsepushthepopulace Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Toni Soprano used piano wire.. I imagine its a thicker version of guitar string... high carbon as well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.