"Dale Parfitt" wrote in message ...
"Paul" wrote in message
...
I've a question for the group. When I'm drawing out my lengths of wire
when
making a quad, what is an accurate way of measuring it? I'm using 1.6 mil
aluminum tig wire and, although the stuff usually lays pretty flat coming
off the reel I want to be certain my lengths are correct. Laying a tape
down
next to the wire seems like it couldn't be real accurate. Any suggestions
would be appreciated. Tnx, and 73.

Hi Paul,
The first step is to straighten the wire. Depending on diameter, you may be
able to anchor one end to a fixed object (pipe, fence post etc) and tie a
rod to the other end and stretch it. For bigger copper I have tied it to the
bumper hitch and moved the car forward slightly. The end result is a
perfectly straight length of wire. Now, it can be laid flat and parallel
againsta a tape. Mark off the overall length and the corners w/ a magic
marker.

Depending on how hard you "bump" it you'll also strain harden the wire
to some extent which improves it's strength and reduces it's tendency
to stretch in service. Particularly if it's all-copper wire.

Dale W4OP

Brian w3rv