Making mandrels

[LFCookie]

When you make your own mandrels, what are the specifics that I need to know when I go to the welding shop to ask for rod? Stainless steel and size, but is one welding rod better than the other?

[Lisi]

When you make your own mandrels, what are the specifics that I need to know when I go to the welding shop to ask for rod? Stainless steel and size, but is one welding rod better than the other?

Best is 316L stainless steel TIG rod, or 308L is good if they don't have it. You can ask for 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", and other sizes and they should know what you are talking about. I use 1/16", because I like the smaller holes, but 3/32" is good for beads that you may want to string on 2mm cords. :)

[Artistic License]

I purchased welding rods on e-bay in a large pack. They are stainless steel and 316L and my husband cuts them for me as I need more to replace old ones. I tried to look for the link that I used but I can't seem to find it. You can do a search on e-bay for welding rods and you will find companies who have all sorts of different sizes and such to choose from.

[Chau Nguyen T]

3/16" or 1/4" if you plan to core your bead later.

[Anne Ricketts]

Get you some good ergonomic cutters too, you'll need to cut your own as they come 3ft long and most shops won't cut them for ya.

[SteveWright]

I cut mine with 12" bolt cutters from Harbor Freight. Under $6, adjustable and with replaceable jaws.

Steve

[LFCookie]

Thanks everyone! Do you know what the difference is between 316L stainless steel vs ER347?
I bought 24 1/16 mandrels for $9.95 at a glass store (I thought it was VERY pricey but I was desperate) and bought the 316L from the welding shop, cut them, deburred them and ended up with 96 1/16 mandrels for about $20.00. I am just NOT sure about what they mean by 316L and ER347...

[squid]

ER347 is VERY corrosion resistant according to my googling.

One thing I will tell you, to make you not feel silly when you go in and ask, TIG rhymes with big - if you say it letter by letter, they will look at you funny.

[squid]

oh and that price for the mandrels isn't terrible compared to others I have seen.

[Torched Art]

After I cut the mandrels, I file the ends with my bench grinder. I suppose a file would work too, but it would take longer. Be sure to make the ends round and clean so they don't irritate your hand when you are spinning the bead and so the bead will come off.

Also, there may be a crimped end, be sure to cut that part off and take into consideration the actual length you will end up with if you want them all the same length.

Last time I bought the welding rod, they were only selling the entire box. So be sure you know what size you really want if you end up in my situation.

Happy mandrel making.

[Dale M.]

ER347.....

http://www.weldingmaterialsales.com/products_2009/ER347.htm

Be sure any wire/rods you order are for TIG welding. And wire/rods for MIG welding comes on spools and is not suitable for mandrels.

Dale

[LFCookie]

Thanks all!