I use the copper core from electrical cable, which I get by saving any cable or internals from appliances that die. This provides a free source of many different gauges of wire, and also multi strand wire which I use for tow cables. The insides of electrical/electronic gizmos is also a source of many other usuable materials - I recommend scavenging as an effective form of recycling! Old VCR's and computers are an Alladins Cave of goodies.
Copper is naturally very soft, straightening it is not a problem. Old copper will age or work harden, or both, but can be annealed by heating to cherry red and quenching in water. (Before the pedants spot this, yes you can just leave it to cool in air, but quenching is quicker and safer - and you dont need a big heat source to heat a small length of wire.)
Brass is a much harder material, better for larger items as it holds its shape. I use copper for small grab handles, brass for things like rear view mirror supports. My local R/c hobby shop holds good stocks of brass and also
piano wire, a spring steel wire long used by aeromodellers. It is also handy though very hard and a bit more difficult to work with, but is available in different gauges, usually in three foot lengths. It will destroy cheap sidecutters though!
The popularity of jewelley making in recent years has seen a lot of craft shops stocking a range of wires, mainly copper. If you feel you must spend money they would provide another source of material.
Regards Dave
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