I'm going to the hobby store tomorrow...what size piano wire do I need to get.  I also ordered some doll joints.

Thanks,

Dennis

I can never remember the gauge I use.  I just stand in the aisle and play with them till I find the ones I like.   You don't want to heavy a gauge or you'll never be able to cut or bend it.  I like a bit of spring in the rod so I probably use a lighter gauge then most would like.  It is going to be a smaller gauge then a coat hanger. 

ALL RIGHTEE THEN...I have 2 different sizes of piano wire...oak...dowels...dip it stuff.  I'm ready to start these arm rods.  WOOHOO.

Dennis

The most common size is 3/32. 

Daryl H

This may be a typical Dutchman's response, but check out old bicycle spokes. Very easy to find, and dirt cheap. Bicycle repairmen often give them away for free. They have a thread at one end, and a rightangle bend at the other. I cut a dowel to size, drill a hole, fill it with contact cement and then screw the thread into the hole. I like to cover the dowel with griptape or self-vulcanising rubber (boating supplies tend to carry those. Spray paint the spoke in matt black and the result is a very comfortable rod. Unfortunately I haven't managed to make the detachable.

What a great use for bicycle spokes. I think adult sized bike wheels ought to have the right length of spokes too.