Jack Richeson Armature Wire, 1/4 Inch x 10 Feet, Aluminum

Very high quality product. Cannot recommend highly enough.

In the past, I've generally used 1/4" aluminum armature because it bends fairly easily by hand while still being sufficiently supportive. For armatures requiring less support or strength, I use AMACO's 1/8' aluminum wire. And for the infrequent times that I need more support than the 1/4" gives, Richeson sells a 3/8" armature wire that is much sturdier (but also much more difficult to bend).As far as "bendability," this 1/4" bends fairly easily into gentle curves. However, it sometimes requires tools or clamps for me to create a sharper bend.Using tools on aluminum wire can sometimes be a problem, though. Because aluminum armature wire is so soft, it's easily marred, gouged, or flattened using tools with any degree of pinching pressure. What works for me is to slide the armature wire into a short (1") section of copper or steel tubing. I keep odds and ends of more rigid metal tubing and I choose a short section that slides over the armature wire. If it's important that the wire not be marred in any way, you can even wrap a small bit of felt, latex, or fabric over it and then slide into a metal tubing sleeve. Using the short metal sleeve helps me by protecting the aluminum wire and puts most of the tool clamping pressure on the tubing sleeve instead.Unlike the Richeson 3/8" armature wire which comes unsealed, I was pleased that this 1/4" version comes packaged in cellophane. Because of the softness of the aluminum, they generally arrive in better shape without nicks or scratches when they're sealed in plastic. Marring may seem like a minor issue, but gouges can affect the ongoing strength of aluminum armature in purposes that require lots of repeated bending back and forth at the same point (like for stop-frame animation). Repeated bending right at a gouge or area of imperfection can result in the wire breaking at that spot.

Bendable easy to use

the coil is strong wire and price is reasonable

This stuff worked great. I used it to support the legs of my Doctor Octopus costume this Halloween. This is the largest gauge that I could find on Amazon.Professionals probably already know this, but you will probably want to double up on your wire if you plan on suspending anything heavier than 2-3 lbs.

Yup, this is, in fact, 1/4in armature wire. 10/10

This is my first usage of armature wire of this larger size. I need to perfect my usage skills to minimize marking during bending and explore paint adhesion for outer structure.

Not too much one can say about thick armature wire! Great stuff, difficult to bend but possible with hands and a nice big pair of pliers- holds its shape with a decent amount of weight - will purchase again!