using guitar strings to burn lines-- help please

[teddyt]

I have come up with the very original idea( ) of using steel guitar strings( set of six 99p inc p+p) to burn lines into my turning

but... what is the best /safest way to attach strings to a pair of wooden handles.
As I'm thinking just knotting the steel would be a bit iffy
I am sure you lot have been here, done that, and have many t-shirts on this matter
so your valued imput please guys

[Les Symonds]

Think 'Cheese wire', because there's two lessons to be learnt.
1....A cheese wire cuts into whatever it's pressed against, and that could be your fingers
2....A cheese wire is invariably attached, at each end, to a simple wooden 'toggle' which you can safely hold on to.


Teddyt....your idea is sound and has been used countless thousands of time....just get those toggles on your guitar strings and you're away.

Les

p.s. I wonder if double bass strings will scorch a wider line!

[Les Symonds]

p.p.s. .... I guess that someone is about to give us the answer to that one.

[teddyt]

the six strings are each  a different gauge(width) and bass guitar strings are indeed wider, my youngest lad plays bass. but does not have any broken strings for me to play with.

it is because of the "cheese wire effect" and I don't fancy burn my mitts on hot wire. I am wanting to mount wire onto/into handles

[bodrighywood]

Make a couple of toggles like the ones you get or used to on duffle coats. Wind the wire around a couple of times and then twist on itself. This works for the top three single strand ones. The lower ones which are multi strand need to be tied with secure knots.

Pete

[Dave Brookes]

Yes, bass strings do make a much wider line so you really need to cut a vee groove with a skew first as a register otherwise you end up with ragged edges and the wire skipping along the wood.

Can't stress enough (as others have), the need for toggle type handles, also the additional concentration once you have created a nice burn line so as to move the wire towards the tailstock BEFORE turning the lathe off as you need to hold both toggles to move the wire away whilst the lathe is running.

Dave


Income £1 expenditure 19s 6d = 'Happiness' - Mr. Micawber

[Bryan Milham]

A friend who plays supplies me with his old strings.

The widest/thickest single stand is the G String.

After that they are wound around wires - I've not tried to burn a line with them yet.

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

I don't fancy handling some old blokes G string!!

[Graham]

I don't fancy handling some old blokes G string!!

My thoughts exactly 
Wouldn't a bit of old formica be a lot easier, and safer,  all round ?

[John]

I use the steel sheath wire from steel wired armored cable, electricians are happy to give it away, it comes in various gauges. make two toggles drill two holes to suit the wire size loop the cable through both holes and then twist it on its self.
John

[julcle]

Oh and if you are going to use guitar strings don't use the nylon ones 

[teddyt]

Oh and if you are going to use guitar strings don't use the nylon ones 

TWANG!!!

[bodrighywood]

Oh and if you are going to use guitar strings don't use the nylon ones 

TWANG!!!

More likely 'Melt' and gunk on your wood LOL

Pete

[burywoodturners]

Graham has it, Formica, assuming you can get a bit!
It does melt though, I suspect that the black line has as much to do with melted Formica as to the charring effect of the wire, It is also great on bowls and platters where you cannot get a wire on to.
I expect Andy Coates to chip in now and tell me where I got the idea from, well it was from one of his demo's
Ron

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

I use the green plastic coated wire from the garden centre, take off the outer sheath and it is stainless wire inside. A couple of toggles as Pete MJ has said and away you go, and very cheap too.