Tungsten wire

Tungsten Wire

Tungsten wire can be expensive in bulk ($1500 for 10kg) but searching for "Wolfram Wire" instead yields results of 3m of 0.6mm diameter wire for $20.

Farny reports that 0.6mm wire was hard and thick, and that 0.2mm wire would be a better choice. 0.2mm wire can be found for $13 for 3m.

The advantage of tungsten wire is its heat resistance, meaning it can be safely exposed to fire during glass working.