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Making small cables and chains
Merlin
Staff MemberSenior Editor
AEROSCALE
#017
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Posted: Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 12:15 AM UTC
Here's a really easy way to make miniature cables and chains. This demo took 5 miniutes including taking the photos.

Stage 1: Make a loop of soft wire, with the ends held in a pin-vice. Allow plent of spare, because it will get shorter...



Stage 2: Loop the wire over a nail or similar and twist 'till it's tight (too much will snap it).



Stage 3: You've just made a small-scale cable!



Stage 4 To make a "chain", bend the wire to the desired shape and tap it GENTLY with a hammer... Voila! It looks like chain...



Obviously, this isn't suitable for larger chains, because anyone will spot that there are no links, but for really small ones it's great!

Get twisting...

Rowan
ArmouredSprue
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South Australia, Australia
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Posted: Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 12:38 AM UTC
Great tip!
I was looking for some kind of this because I have to make a real smal chain, the kind used to secure gas caps and some other features on AFV and Tanks, specially from WWII, and if I use a real small wire I can make it right.
Thanks
ka2rvu
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Posted: Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 11:51 AM UTC
Thanks Porky. I'll be using your tip. I'm working on the cables right now.
Fred
steve203
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Posted: Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 12:03 PM UTC
Cool post Porky. I'm sure that will come in handy one day.
Tankera1
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Posted: Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 12:08 PM UTC
Great tip! I wonder if you can use small diameter solder for the cable as well as wire?
Merlin
Staff MemberSenior Editor
AEROSCALE
#017
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Posted: Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 03:15 AM UTC
Cheers for the kind words everyone!

I hope the trick comes in handy oneday.

All the best

Rowan
cfbush2000
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Posted: Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 05:08 AM UTC
Great tip. Thanks.
SniperSoldier
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Posted: Monday, June 23, 2003 - 01:45 AM UTC
GREAT TIP
ROBERTO
Delbert
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Posted: Monday, June 23, 2003 - 02:13 AM UTC
thank you for that great tip.
Graywolf
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HISTORICUS FORMA
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Posted: Monday, June 23, 2003 - 05:31 AM UTC
great tip.Thanks Rowan
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