Non-Stretchy Thin Wire?
October 22, 2018 6:31 AM Subscribe
I need to re-string my chitarra per pasta, a traditional noodle-cutting device from Abruzzo (looks like this) used to make spaghetti alla chitarra. The issue is that the wire needs to be thin in order to have good cutting properties, but it shouldn't be too stretchy or it will bend under the weight of the rolling pin rather than cutting through the dough. I don't have enough knowledge of the correct terminology or the differences between metals used in wire to figure out how to get that I want.
Best answer: You're looking for a wire with high "tensile strength." I'm not familiar with the device you're working on but music wire was my first thought. McMaster-Carr carries several types in many gauges. Stainless might be best for food.
posted by jon1270 at 7:03 AM on October 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by jon1270 at 7:03 AM on October 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
Music wire is hardened and will dent the cutting edge of ordinary diagonal wire cutters, so I suggest that you buy or borrow a hard wire cutter or nipper.
I also see that some people use the cut-off wheel on a dremel-type rotary tool to trim these wires, and that makes sense.
posted by Glomar response at 7:22 AM on October 22, 2018
I also see that some people use the cut-off wheel on a dremel-type rotary tool to trim these wires, and that makes sense.
posted by Glomar response at 7:22 AM on October 22, 2018
You can cut this wire with a triangular file too. File a notch and then snap the wire off.
posted by Mitheral at 7:45 AM on October 22, 2018
posted by Mitheral at 7:45 AM on October 22, 2018
Response by poster: Many thanks! Now the issue is where to get a reasonable amount of 0.013" diameter music wire with a reasonable delivery time...
posted by slkinsey at 9:23 AM on October 22, 2018
posted by slkinsey at 9:23 AM on October 22, 2018
My job would not be possible without McMaster-Carr.
slkinsey, I placed an order with them a few minutes ago and it will be delivered this afternoon (they have a courier service they use or maybe own, shipping is usually ~$5). Not always the cheapest option, always the easiest.
posted by booooooze at 10:20 AM on October 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
slkinsey, I placed an order with them a few minutes ago and it will be delivered this afternoon (they have a courier service they use or maybe own, shipping is usually ~$5). Not always the cheapest option, always the easiest.
posted by booooooze at 10:20 AM on October 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
> Now the issue is where to get a reasonable amount of 0.013" diameter music wire with a reasonable delivery time...
A set of guitar strings with a plain steel 0.013 might be a good option. Like these.
posted by doctord at 11:49 AM on October 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
A set of guitar strings with a plain steel 0.013 might be a good option. Like these.
posted by doctord at 11:49 AM on October 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Seconding guitar string if you're near a music store. It has the same high strength as regular music wire. High E, obviously.
posted by clawsoon at 12:34 PM on October 22, 2018
posted by clawsoon at 12:34 PM on October 22, 2018
...sorry, looks like you need a B string for 0.013".
posted by clawsoon at 12:40 PM on October 22, 2018
posted by clawsoon at 12:40 PM on October 22, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ceithern at 6:44 AM on October 22, 2018 [4 favorites]