no because I don't melt it. I just cut it to fit. I suppose if a peice got logged in my finger or something from a cut that might cause a problem but I have used it for literally over a decade. If there are problems with it i have never heard of them. Remember i am not heating or melting it.

I have a design for removable rods that i have used for 15 years. I have made puppets for a few people on the site so they could tell you if they like them or not. I know I get requests to over hall other puppet makers puppets and replace the arm rod controls with mine.

I must admit something I hope no one takes offence to it. I am hesitant sharing my arm rod designs and their internal hand componant. Its the one thing i have really prided myself on. I will have to think on that one. I do know of a few other designs but they to are owned by other builders and I would be hesitant to give their secret. Now I can push you in the right directions. Such as using wood in the hand with a channel in it just large enogh to fit a rod. I hope this does not offend anyone. I know it must sound snobbish. Give you another one I have experimented with magnets to.

I am sorry but the arm controls are the one secret I can't give away just yet. Like I said though I will help in anyway I can.

Jay I think you have been more than helpful................. Lets just leave some to use there imagination for the arm rods. No problem here!

Later down the road when you make a Master DVd revealing the Secrets of Building Puppets with Jay................ We will have to pay just like everyone else does, for accquired knowledge.

We appreciate all your help........ You have given us tips that are treasured by many builders and do share so gracefully. For that we Thank You.

Don't feel pressured here........... We just get carried away at the least bit of new knowledge.

Billy D.

Ditto on what Billy said.  You're entitled to hold on tightly to a few secrets.  It wouldn't be fair of us to try to squeeze them out of you.  You have been exceedingly generous as it is, and we are all thankful.

Your soldering wire tip made me understand why my own hand armatures are so weak.  I've been using too thin a wire.  I've been using floral wire which I twist together with my drill.  Hey Billy, you've done jewelry right?  I learned the wire twisting in a drill trick from someone who makes jewelry.

Pam

Your soldering wire tip made me understand why my own hand armatures are so weak.  I've been using too thin a wire.  I've been using floral wire which I twist together with my drill.  Hey Billy, you've done jewelry right?  I learned the wire twisting in a drill trick from someone who makes jewelry.

Pam

Sorry Pam I have not tried that yet but would like to.......... however I'm studing doll scupturing, and the art of reborning or rebirthing dolls right at the moment where they use different gauges of twisted wire thorough out the scurcture of the sculpture. I'll see if I can get some pictures for you.

Billy d.

you don't have to melt it to get lead poisoning, I use to do stain glass and we really had to watch handling it in the coil form, like what you are using. It was recommended to handle as little as possible and keep it on the plastic tube.

However I need to say that plumber solder may not contain lead.  So I will leave it at that.

Daryl H

Daryl:

Here's how I twist my wire.  I cut a length of wire twice the amount I need and fold it in half.  Take one end of the wire and place it in a vice (or over a drawer knob).  Empty the chuck end of your drill and open it up wide enough to insert the other end of the folded wire into the chuck and tighten it down.  Pull the wire straight and hit the trigger on the drill.  It might not twist even at first but keep going and it tightens and twists up real nice.

Billy:
Rebirthing dolls?  I'm not quite understanding this.  Pictures would be nice.

Here is a website I order some of my supplies............. I'm shopping around for better prices at other places......... I'm getting off subject her but here is the site that will explain more

http://www.secristdolls.com/


Here is a demonstration of armature in doll sculpture

http://blogs.ebay.com/morezmore/entry/Morezmore-22-Rusalka-Part-1/_W0QQidZ544278011

Billy D.

Thanks for the info both puppet lady and Billy.  I didn't know that is one method to do it.  Is this what Jay uses or does he use the wire as is with not twisting, I would think twisting it would show through the material as bumps? 

Daryl H

I don't twist anything I use it off the spool. I will check to see if the solder I use has lead in it. You have me curious now stiqman.