3.1.1 Preparation - Brass Wire Winding and Annealing

Wrapping Scissors in Advance

(Illustration note: Do not wrap with thread here.)

See the video tutorial about how to wrap scissors: https://youtu.be/V8na3AudInE

Q: Why wrap the scissors?
A: Given the unique nature of Ronghua (velvet flower) making, these large scissors are frequently used essential tools. For beginners, the hardness of the scissor handles may cause friction blisters on the palm. Therefore, it is recommended to appropriately wrap the scissor handles to improve comfort during use. (However, this step is not mandatory. Readers may choose to skip it if not needed.) Additionally, during periods of non-use, it is advised to apply a suitable amount of scissor oil to the blades and cleverly use plastic wrap for protection.

 

Tip:
The handles are not wrapped with thread at the intersection point to allow the scissor blades to open and close freely. Wrapping thread here would increase the handle thickness, preventing the blades from closing completely.

 

Brass Wire Winding and Annealing

Q: Why anneal the brass wire?
A: Annealing brass wire, commonly referred to as 'annealing' in this process, is a metalworking technique that involves gradually heating the metal to a specific temperature, holding it for a set time, and then cooling it slowly. This process aims to reduce the metal's hardness, improve its properties, and enhance its flexibility. Specifically for brass wire in Ronghua, the main purpose is to increase its pliability for better spreading of the velvet silk. Although unnecessary in some special cases, using annealed wire is recommended during the practice stage for ease of operation and finger protection for beginners. Furthermore, there is also brass wire on the market that undergoes annealing followed by a recoloring process to meet specific needs (e.g., very fine light-colored lines and light-colored flattened styles), which looks identical to unannealed wire. Beginners need to pay close attention when purchasing.

 

Brass Wire Winding (Two methods, choose one)

Method One:

01. Find an object approximately 13-15 cm long and a spool of 0.2mm diameter brass wire. (The object's length and shape are not fixed. 13-15 cm is just a common length used here. Readers can later determine different lengths based on the desired velvet row width. The object can also be round, as long as the folded wire length is roughly consistent. The author is simply demonstrating using readily available items; this is not the absolute or only method.)

02. Start the wire and wind it around the long object.

(Illustration note: A rod can be added here. Remove the rod before taking off the wire coil for easier removal.)

03. Stop after winding approximately 500 turns. Do not wind too tightly, or the coil will be difficult to remove. Also, try to wind neatly and parallel to facilitate later removal.

04. Leave a section of wire and use it to tightly bind the wire coil.

05. The bound coil should look as shown. (Note: It must be bound tightly. A correctly bound coil should resemble a bracelet. If it's loose or has individual wires sticking out, the wires are prone to breaking during annealing.)

 

Method Two:

01. If a large amount of wire is needed and hand-winding is inconvenient, consider purchasing a winding machine.

02. Start by winding a few turns.

03. Continuously wind about 500 turns and then remove.

04. Still, leave a section of wire for finishing and binding.

 

Brass Wire Annealing

01. Place a grill mesh or wire mesh over a gas stove burner.

02. Place the wire coil and turn the burner to high heat. The annealing process is best done at night. Turn off the lights immediately after igniting the stove to accurately observe if the entire coil turns red-hot. After the coil turns red on high heat, continue heating for another 30-50 seconds before turning off the heat.

03. Let it cool on the side.

04. Remove the binding wire from the outer coil. Fold the coil and, starting from either end, cut it open with small scissors.

05. Prepare the brass wires and magnesium powder.

(Illustration note: Right-hand fingers pinch tightly, coordinating with the left hand to straighten the wire; left hand pinches tightly, twisting to the right.)

06. Take one wire and fold it in half.

07. Dip your thumb and index finger in magnesium powder, pinch the folded section tightly, and twist it to the right.

08. The twisted section should be about 4.5 cm long (this is not a fixed value; the exact length depends on the desired velvet row width. The author provides a general range for reference).

(Illustration note: Fingers of both hands coordinate to pull the wire taut; the right hand straightens the wire.)

09. Hold the folded section with your left hand and pull the wire end taut with your right hand. While pulling taut, use your right hand to straighten/twist the wire. (In the Northern school of Ronghua, this technique is called "duì sī" – pairing/twisting threads.)

10. The finished twisted wire should look as shown.

11. Prepare a batch of twisted wires for use.

 

Tips:
01. When purchasing annealed brass wire, be sure to check the specification to ensure it is H65 brass wire. (Whether the reader uses wire with a diameter of 0.15mm, 0.18mm, 0.2mm, or 0.3mm depends entirely on their own needs; purchase accordingly.)

02. Do not anneal the brass wire repeatedly, as it will affect the wire's quality.