Free bead reamers etc?

[Miss Clar]

I've just discovered a fantastic FREE source of bead reamers and assorted other glassworking tools (yeah, I know I'm probably way behind the rest of you on this :) but it might help somebody...): dentists. After all, dental picks are fantastic for raking, poking etc, so why not ask your dentist if s/he has any old ones? By law, dentists can only use their tools a certain number of times before they have to be disposed of - even though they're still perfectly serviceable! This applies to all the pointy little probey things, and also to drill bits - yes, little diamond-coated drill bits in all sorts of sizes that fit in a dremel! (Well, the ones my boyfriend's dentist uses do - I have to check with my dentist next week when I go for a checkup :-# ).

So, next time you have to go get your mouth poked about, why not ask if they have any old tools to be disposed of? I just got a whole box of tools, reamers etc for free - my dentist was only too happy to help out!

Hope this helps....

[one-eared pig]

sweet, i'll just have to remember the next time i am in the torture chair.

[sassy]

LOL Yes they are great. That's where most of my tool came from. Also you can check out your kitchen utensils drawer. I found lots in there to use.

[Just Nancy]

My dentist says too many people have hobbies that use his old tools. (Sniff, sniff)

He tries to keep a waiting list, but I've never actually made it to the top. (Do we have a pouting smilie guy?)

Nancy

[sleekbeads]

I have some picks for sale in the garage sale if anyone is interested.
No, they didn't come from the dentist, but they are picks... nice sharp precise ones too!!!
:) just giving you the 411

have a lovely day!
Joanna

[maddog1050]

Great idea.

My husband has an appointment next week and I'll tell him to ask his dentist for any unuseable drills/pokes/etc. He's paid enough for dental work over thee years! One thing I wonder about such tools--are they safely sterilized when you get them or is there something you have to do to them?

[artbyman]

I'm getting my infomation straight from the horses mouth, my dentist (my husband). There is no law that says you need to get rid of your instruments after using them a few times (unless it's disposable). If you buy quality, and most dentists do, they last for a long time. These days, the tips have replaceable tips that unscrew. What they watch for are dull intruments but that can take years. Perhaps that is why most people have a hard time getting a hold of them. Burs (that go in the drill) are a different story. They do wear out fast, but you then wouldn't want to use it. I've seen instruments at flea markets, may want to check there as well.
What you may consider asking your dentist to do for you is this. Ask him to order you a diamond bur for your dremel tool. They are expensive around $15-$20 but better than any diamond bur you can get at Home Desperate. Take one of your dremel burs in as an example so he/she can get the right shank size and don't forget to bring in a sample of what you do (perhaps even make him something). Most people don't know that dentists spend an entire year working wax and casting gold and they love to see fine work that glass artists do. They really appreciate anything that is done by hand!

[Miss Clar]

Hmm, maybe the law is different between countries (I'm in the UK). Although I got my information from my boyfriend's dentist, via my boyfriend... still, I got about 40-odd diamond reamers that work really well, so it can't hurt to ask!

I love the way you describe dental work - sounds like your husband must really love his job! I never really thought of my dentist as an artist... then again, whenever I go to see him he just pokes around a bit and takes great pleasure in making 'oh dear' noises to scare me - definitely a student of the 'Little Shop of Horrors' school of dentistry!

[artbyman]

If you are in the UK I'm sure the laws are different. Perhaps even different brands or quality of instruments are used.
My husband loves his patients, but after 25 years of doing dentistry his neck and back are giving out.
He can outdo me when it comes to anything precise. Think of working in a little space(the mouth) every day on little objects (teeth). They really are true artists and have come a long way from "hurting" people. Try headphones next time you go see your dentist, it will block out the noise and relax you.