Weird Wire

Iv got some really cool vintage wire stripped out of an old heater (yup, the one Im turning into an amp) which Id like to use on a build. Its covered with a dense braiding that has aged a nice dirty yellow, but it seems really well bonded to the wire so I think stripping it and re-using it is out of the question. Trouble is, its not multi core, its one chunky copper strand, prolly about 1.5mm -can I use this? I dont see any reason why not - it wont be flexing (its stiff) so breakage isnt a problem, but is there something Iv missed like resistances or something? Il try and add a pic later. Cheers chaps and chapesses

You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!

Join Cigar Box Nation

Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • I used to have some copper wire so thick I used it for structural purposes (hanging pictures, fixing a broken shower caddy, ect.) but it went into a lot of my electrical projects too. the thickness of the wire shouldn't affect too much with the average project.
  • Hey Randy I used a piece of rope to make my vintage looking wire.
    if it is possible to pull the copper out of the insulation you can probly push your good wire right thru it and use it that way.
    The rope I used has a paper like core I just grabbed it with pliers it came right out.
  • Good thinking WS!

    And Jkevn.... I couldnt agree more! Free stuff is good stuff indeed! lol
  • Maybe the way to make # 1 happen is to "hammer" the end to be connected to pot or jack flat, then trim to size then solder... it will take less heat to solder the thin section and if you hammer with care
    you ought to be able to create a "taper" that will leave the end plenty strong....

    just a thought,
    the best,

    Wichita Sam


    Jkevn said:
    All electrical experts should leave now....ok, for the sake of CBG's and the construction of said CBG's; wire is wire is wire. If you want to use #6 copper to wire yer pots, it'll work (if you dont melt the pots trying to solder it). The resistance of the wire is usually not an issue. The obvious concerns would be: 1. can I create a reliable connection with it? 2. Will it look really cool?
    If #2 is a definitive yes, then we must find a way to make #1 happen.

    As I have said before- free wire is always good wire...and if you make it look really cool, we wont notice that big hole you had to cut in the back that "electric fire" for your speaker. That is cool too - electric fire - y'all sure do talk funny...
  • All electrical experts should leave now....ok, for the sake of CBG's and the construction of said CBG's; wire is wire is wire. If you want to use #6 copper to wire yer pots, it'll work (if you dont melt the pots trying to solder it). The resistance of the wire is usually not an issue. The obvious concerns would be: 1. can I create a reliable connection with it? 2. Will it look really cool?
    If #2 is a definitive yes, then we must find a way to make #1 happen.

    As I have said before- free wire is always good wire...and if you make it look really cool, we wont notice that big hole you had to cut in the back that "electric fire" for your speaker. That is cool too - electric fire - y'all sure do talk funny...
  • Sounds like it's really thick - that means lower resistance, so it won't be a problem.
  • Current plan is either magnetic pup and tone & vol pots, or maybe just a piezo.

    The stuff is really stiff and I thought it might be cool to have all the wiring on the outside of the box a la Old Lowe stylie.

    Not sure Il actually do it yet (lots of other ideas floating around) but Id like to know if I have the option.

    I agree tho, I dont see why it wouldnt work.... (*BANG*)
  • Hi Ben
    Dont see why you cant use it , resistance should not be a problem as far as i'm aware ! but i'm ne electronics expert by a long way !
    What are you wiring with it pots ?
    juju.
This reply was deleted.