Nichrome wire?

[Lucas]

Hi all,
Just after some advice and info really!
Looking at doing some sun catcher type things, and having read various posts on here about the different types of wires which work and don't work, I'm now throughly confused .
They're going to be clear, so I need wire which is pliable enough to shape for a spirally (is that even a word??) bit in between the layers, but strong enough to take the weight (glass approx 8 by 20 cm ish!, so not particularly big...)
I read about nichome wire, but couldn't work out if it went funny inside the glass - as they're going to be clear I don't want it going icky as it will be seen.
Anyone use this (or anything else) that they would recommend, or be able to share any cautionary tales of things I shouldn't use?
I checked out nichrome wire on ebay (good old ebay) but it seems to come in different thicknesses - any ideas on what I should be looking for if I end up going this way?
Thanks in advance for your help!
L

[Zeldazog]

Hi Lucas

I recently used nichrome wire in both float and bullseye glass (not the same piece of course!), and it doesn't do anything odd at all, just a bit dark.

I used 0.8mm on a 4 x 6cm ish piece - I don't know how much thicker you could go and still bend the wire easily. Because I was working with small pieces, I wanted to be able to easily curl the wire.  I would think it would be strong enough for a larger piece, but I would be tempted to go for a thicker wire personally, as you would have more room make your loops.  Make sure you inset it well into your glass, so the ends aren't too close to the edge (the glass will try and pull back a bit around the wire).

HTH

[Lucas]

Fantastic, thanks.  I don't think it will matter if the colour goes a little darker, so that's fine, but as you suggest, I'll try something a little thicker to make sure it will support the weight (and make sure it's not too close to the edge!)
Thank you!
L