Of course, there are a number of difficulties that prevent you from simply substituting metal wire ... chose standard welding wire, and has also experimented with stainless steel and flux-cored ...

Mild steel - used for bike frames ... easy to form, braze and weld, versatile Cast iron - used for wood and metal working vices, manhole covers, pans, gates and machine bases, eg pillar drill ...

Cast iron Brittle if thin, can be cast in a mould, strong compression strength, good electrical and thermal conductivity but poor resistance to corrosion Manhole covers, pans and gates, vices High ...