bead reamer diamond bits?

[lunesse]

I have been using the same bead reamer bit a nice guy made me in Australia 4 years ago until today when it split in half while in use (nice bloody finger, great.)

So I need another. I have none at all. I loved this one, the diamond coating was fabulous. Short ones, ball ones, etc, could be useful too, I suppose, but mostly I need a long one. These would fit in my Dremel. What do you love?

[Renee]

I've gotten a couple diamond burs that I use in my Dremel from here: http://www.lascodiamond.com/Dental/fgdiamonds.htm. They're fabulous and have a great selection. I've been using the same bur for 4 years, and it's just as good as the day I got it.

[BeadsGoneWild]

Renee,
Which bur to you use? I've been looking for one too.
_______________________
Roberta

[Olimpia]

I started off with these and they were very good and cheap!
http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/CTGY/bead-reamer

Then I switched to Dave's and it was wonderful. Mostly because they last a lot longer than the cheaper ones. Make sure you check out the video demo.
But I really think they work the same:

http://host.pappapak17.com/~artinthe/category_14/Bead-Cleaning-Tools.htm

[CreativeSpirit]

try ebay, there are alot of them there

Peace Wendy

[neagle]

Rio Grande has them in a 3pack, they last a pretty long time, too.

[pgglass]

Dave's bead reamer by far!! I LOVE it! It saves so much time and works a bit differently than most diamond reamers.

[lunesse]

What is different about Dave's?

I don't doubt it is fabulous, but holes always look good while wet. How does it work differently? Hard to see in the video, but I am intrigued.

Thanks Renee, that's the kind of experience I had, and want again!

[Afterdark]

Dave's are great- long shaft with no taper- cleans bead very easy- My only complain is the dimond coating wears off quickly- Depending on the bead release you use they are throw away bit's and expensive to always replace. But they work like a charm and save time!

[Silver Moon Lampwork]

I have the BeaDreamer bits in 3 sizes. They do a great job and save me a lot of time. The bits I used to use before were very coarse and tapered, which scratched up the glass inside the bead and left tiny chips around the edges of the beadholes. Also it was taking me way too much time to clean my beads, time I could've been spending making more beads. I absolutely love the BeaDreamer bits because they quickly remove the bead release and leave a nice smooth finish. I'm a stickler for quality and I know my beads won't get damaged. Since switching to these bits, cleaning my beads is no longer the task I used to dread.

[Hothead Beads]

I also have used Dave's reamers and love them. But, like others have said, they are pricey and wear down quick.

[lunesse]

Hm. I don't they are worth it for me, then, if they wear down so quick. That amount of money is fine for something that lasts....but not for something that doesn't, when I had one last 4 years, albeit tapered. I will bookmark it though, maybe he will improve his design to last longer!

[Hayley]

It depends on the size of your beads and the bead release you use. I was dismayed at how fast mine wore down and was told by Dave that the 3000 beads claim was only for small beads (think spacers) and bead release such as Sludge and not Foster Fire.

[beadsoncypress]

I use Widget Supply also....excellent product at an excellent price!

[Renee]

Renee,
Which bur to you use? I've been looking for one too.
_______________________
Roberta

It's been so long since I bought them that I'm not positive, but the one I primarily use looks like TR13.

If you want a bur that's going to last, buy one that's sintered. The diamonds aren't just stuck to the surface where they're going to wear out of fall off. They're embedded throughout the head of the bur. It may cost a little more, but you won't be replacing it any time soon.

[BeadsGoneWild]

Thanks Renee,
Just the info I was looking for.
________________________
Roberta

[ginko]

The long bit in this set is what I use in my dremel for long beads. http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/PROD/stocking-stuffers/SDE3-83555 . If you can use a 1/8" size bit, widget supply has a 10-pack of diamond-tipped bits that are inexpensive enough to toss when they wear out, something like .30 each.

[bolimasa]

I make tons of long skinny beads, and this is what I use to clean them out. They're cheap and long lasting, I only wish the diamond coating went all the way down the shaft.

http://www.lopacki.com/drills/

Scroll down for the long - 2.5, 3" bits

[J&M]

It depends on the size of your beads and the bead release you use. I was dismayed at how fast mine wore down and was told by Dave that the 3000 beads claim was only for small beads (think spacers) and bead release such as Sludge and not Foster Fire.

I too was disappointed at how fast mine wore down. Didn't take too long at all. I wish I'd known about "the small print".

Jack

[DesertDreamer]

Wow! I've had my BeaDreamer for 2 years and it's still great. Are you guys keeping it in water when you use it? I use a cordless Dremel and work in a kids sand bucket.

[J&M]

I'm using a cordless Dremel too and always keep the BeadReamer in the water when I'm using it.

Jack

[Silver Moon Lampwork]

Yes, I use a cordless Dremel too and always clean the beads under water.

[J&M]

I talked with Dave on the phone the other day, and I must tell you, he's one of the nicest gentleman I've ever had the pleasure of talking to. He recommends using Sludge Plus as it has no abrasives in it like the other releases do. When it is thinned to the recommended consistency, it should work flawlessly. That's was my problem... NOT the BeadReamer. I didn't want everyone to think that his product is not a good one. It is BY FAR the best tool to use for cleaning out your beads! I am VERY glad that I purchased the BeadReamer. It was basically "operator error"... my fault. I will continue to use this great tool as it has saved me countless hours of bead cleaning. Check out the endorsement from Kim Neely on Dave's website if you need further proof: http://www.artintheround.com/

Jack

[J&M]

By the way, I'm using the 3/32".

Jack

[beadaddicts]

I use both the 1/16 and the 3/32, but my 1/16 by far gets the most use. We use NOTHING but Fusion bead release, and have NEVER had a problem with the coating wearing off our reamers quickly! The whole secret to extending the life of our reamers has been in not OVER working the tool! Just 2-3 in and out passes through the hole works like a charm. If you're grinding the reamer in circles around the hole, its naturally going to cause more wear and tear, but if you follow the instructions correctly you can clean out a TON of beads with one tool. And while the cost may sound "pricey", the amount of time it saves me versus a regular diamond bit more than makes up for it. Someone who makes focals only might not realize that as much, but most of my production is in sets of beads, and if I can save 10 minutes a day in cleaning time, that's an extra hour I can spend at my torch each week.

But probably the best thing about Dave's reamers for me is the look I get in transparent glass. There's none of that frosted, "etched" look in the holes. I also love that the tips of the reamers aren't coated because I'm bad about missing the hole, and his tips don't leave scratch marks on my beads if I bump around the hole with them.

My reamers have been MORE than worth the investment for me, and it would be a sad day indeed if I ever had to go back to using a plain old diamond bit.

[J&M]

What she said!

Jack

[Hayley]

My issue with Dave was the fact that I purchased the product after reading his claim that "Yup, they are expensive. Yup, they are worth it. My cost is way high too, they are not made in China, but 100% American made, and, yes, the diamond is way longer than most. Look for 3000+ beads per tool, perfectly done, in seconds."

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1747451&postcount=26

And then to find out when they wore out quickly (1000 beads for the 3/32" one using Foster Fire with 2"+ beads and 2000 beads for the 5/64" one using Sludge with small beads) and found out that there was the "fine print" to his claim.

"From: Dave <artintheround@mchsi.com>
Subject: Re: beadreamers

...Typical usage with Sludge plus is anywhere from 2000 to 3000 beads. I
usually _estimate_ 2500 ->average size beads<- if folks want numbers. So
your sister's usage is in the normal range. Actual numbers vary,
depending on RPM, adequacy of lubrication, thickness of release,
technique, length of beads, among other factors.

As for yours, you actually got excellent results, considering you are
using FF S&T, (it is more abrasive, and also harder,) and 2 inch beads.
When I speak of "average size beads" I mean far smaller than 2 inches.
That of course means that if your bead is say 3 to 4 times the length of
an average bead, you are working the tool 3 to 4 times harder per bead.
It really comes down to how many inches of beads in total you can expect
to clean. So, your BeadDreamer "mileage" is also normal, excellent, in
fact."

ETA: You may love the products but please give those of us who find that the reality of using the product not living up to what it was advertised to do a chance to discuss it as well. It has nothing to do with using it incorrectly or breach of trust. This forum is a place where we should be allowed to voice our opinions, learn from each other's experience and make our own decision without be reprimanded.

[J&M]

I believe it does have a lot to do with how you use it. Of course, that's just MY opinion.

Jack

[Hayley]

If you are going to change bead release just so you can lengthen the life of the beadreamer, that's your prerogative, Jack. My 2.5"+ beads don't come off easily on Sludge, Sludge Plus, Kragg Mudd, Fusion etc. . . . thus I use Foster Fire, sometimes with a touch of Fusion mixed in.

And you are entitled to your opinion as we are entitled to ours.

Having said that, even Dave admits that longer beads and Foster Fire bead release shorten the life of the beadreamers so those of us have that issue were NOT using the product incorrectly.

[J&M]

I never said you were using it incorrectly Haley. It just makes sense to use the best bead release for that particular tool if it lengthens the life of the tool and saves you an enormous amount of time in the long run. That's all I was saying. Nothing personal towards you at all.

Jack

[Hayley]

And all I was saying was that saving an enormous amount of time wouldn't mean anything if using Sludge Plus and having, say, 20% of my long beads stuck on the mandrel. That would be more a waste of time and effort, as well as lots of expensive silver glass.

Guess we all have to determine what works best for each of us.

[J&M]

Good for you.

[Renee]

I've never used or seen one of these things, so what's the outer surface? Is is supposed to be diamond encrusted, or what? ... or is it proprietary and to tell me would cost me my life?? :wink:

[DaveF]

User testimonials:

I LOVE my beadreamer! I've had it for years and used it hard so I'm getting another one!!!!
__________________
Nancy / Playswithfire104

Hi Dave!! Oh my goodness...I am in heaven. Usually my husband cleans all of my beads for me and he was away this week so I was lucky enough to be able to clean beads...and wow! I love your beadreamers! It cleans out the bead release really fast too! I had 60 long focals cleaned lickety split. And the best part is the end of the beadreamer...no scratching around the hole from the diamonds on the end...genius design!!! I can't tell you how many beads I have messed up from the diamond bit hitting a part of the bead. I am so stoked and need to go make more beads to clean. lol. The transparent beads come out soooo clean too. I have to tell you that while I was cleaning the beads tonight I kept saying this is my favorite new tool!

Take Care,
Fay / PaintingWithGlass

I really love my 3 beadreamer tools. I just got done cleaning 30 beads in just a couple of minutes.
I don't even mind changing collets to go from one size to another because all I have to do is just think back at how terrible it used to be without these beadreamers. To make the collet changing easier, I put each collet on the bottom of the particular size beadreamer that it fits into the Dremel with and put it back into the little case they come in. That way, I don't have to hunt for the right size every time I change the collet.
That's my helpful hint of the day and it's free, lol.
Also, thank you for the advice you gave me about putting some bead release into a pill bottle before dilluting it. It also helps to get the bead release shaken well before using it in a small container, (I'm using a little film container).
Thanks for everything, and I'm glad to see you have such a wonderful warranty on your product.

St John 3:16 / BeadDesignsByCarol

Love it!
Works like a charm. Got my minimite from Amazon for 26.99 no shipping charge.

(Gotta put some more stuff up on ebay so I can get other sizes!)

-Marjo

Originally Posted by Afterdark
Hi Dave-

These puppies work like a charm! It has made cleaning beads....Fun!! In a sick kind of way.... (LOL)

Just a quick question as I have used mine for about 3-4 months and I have noticed the diamond is wearing down big time- What's your average expected life on these? (I'm a whimpy part time bead maker too)
I was hoping they would wear a bit longer but for the convience of making bead cleaning fun I would gladly buy 3-4 a year for the time saved.

Which brings me to an order!

$27.95 for the 1/16 - (2 ea.)

and $29.95 for the 3/32 - (1 each) to replace my used and abused one. ;-}

5/64 - (1 each) for the rods I never use cuz I don't have an easy beadreamer cleaner.

Thanks kindly-

--AfterDark again, After my response and offer of replacement...
Dave-
Good to hear...I still got some dimond on the bottom half so I wasn't about to throw it out until I had a new puppy in my hand! Anything is better that the old way, even a defective bit!
Thank you for your quick response and 100% guarentee!! It's been the "Cats meow" for me as my time is few and I have so many fun beads to try- Who wants to waste precious bead time on cleaning yuck bead poop!

Thanks
__________________
Trudi

The Beadreamer is absolutely as great as everyone said it is! I got mine last week and have cleaned over a hundred beads with it. I used to dread cleaning beads, and now I don't mind at all. It is so fast and easy! I am amazed at how quick and simple the Beadreamer is to use! Thanks, Dave, and thanks for answering all my silly questions about Dremel and Mini Mites, etc.

Pam / daisydog7 (Who actually had shrinking mandrels! Search LE for that story... )

Got my Beadreamer and I have to say that the most hated job of cleaning out bead release has become most enjoyable. Used to take me a looooong time, but not now.

Thanks so much,

Jeanette

i used the beadreamer for the first time today and was astounded at how clean and smooth it leaves the holes with just one swipe through each side. the transparents look absolutely polished and clear and not rough like they did before the beadreamer. wow, this is the ultimate way to clean beads for an inside hole that is as smooth as the outside of the bead...kath / polka dottie

I finally broke down and purchased the Beadreamer (1/16) and I love it...so much so that I am going to order the 3/32 also. Thanks for making such a great product...sure makes cleaning beads a whole lot easier.

Sandi / beadandi

We watched this in action at the retreat this weekend and let me tell ya... it was hot item! Dave, thanks for coming down and showing it to us! I'm gonna place my order soon.

Melissa / Villa Design

I love mine!

Susan- / scouncil

I am bumping this up 'cuz I just tried the 1/16 BeaDreamer and I am so freakin' in love with this cleaning tool. It is rocking my world.

I just may have to clean ALL my beads again now to get them this damn clean inside. And FAST - oh my gawd!

Also, I ordered this tool on 1/7 and I received it today (1/11) with much email communication from Dave on the billing/shipping thing, as well. He takes paypal, too.

I have absolutely no affiliation with Dave and most of you probably don't care what I think (LOL!), but I saw Kim Neely's first mention of this tool a couple of years ago and he was out of them for a while, then I forgot about it. Life, you know. Until I saw his announcement of this January sale.

Ok, back to your regularly scheduled programming now. Some of you are probably busy watching Grey's Anatomy - I think tool should be called McBeaDreamy!! LOL!!

peace,

-danagirl

Dave,

I got the reamers you sent me last week. They are so Awesome. I really appreciate your customer service! BTW: The "large" one works great! Combining your tool with the 7.2v Cordless Dremel and a warm bowl of water makes quick work of cleaning the beads. And it does the job much better than the tapered reamers I tried before I got your tools.

Thanks again!
__________________
Gary Johnson

These are GREAT!!! I got one of each about a year and a half ago and couldn't be happier with them!!!! Worth every penny - even if they are not on sale!!!
__________________
Nancy / PlaysWithFire104

Dave I got mine yesterday, thank you so much. If your looking for great bead reamers Dave is the guy to get them from. He was so patient and helpful answering all my questions.
__________________
Patty / jewelrybypatty

O.M.G.!!! This thing is absolutely amazing!!!! Dave, why didn't I get one of these sooner?? LOL!!!

Y'all, if you don't have one, I can honestly say this is THE bit for cleaning your beads. Absolutely amazing!

Thanks, so much, Dave.

Smiles,
Priss / ms-priss

I just received my 1/16 Beadreamer on Friday. I finally gave it a try yesterday. I love this thing!

To tell you the truth I was somewhat hesitant to purchase one because of the price but now I know it was worth every penny!

I really didn't think there would be that much of a difference but there it is! I love the length also - I'm starting to work with bigger beads and it is so much easier to clean them.

Thank you so much for an incredible product! I'll be ordering the 3/32 size next!
__________________
Mary Beth / marybeth


I finally used mine, and I absolutely love it!! So worth every penny!!!
Lori / lorleek

Yeeha Dave! more converts!!

I love my 3/32 EVEN MORE than the 1/16, which I have nicknamed McBeadreamy..

Enjoy, everyone!!

-dana / danagirl

McBeadreamy! I love it! And I love my McBeadreamy and McBeadreamy Jr.
__________________
Nancy playswithfire104

Hi Dave,

I just tried the 1/16 Beadreamer and LOVED IT! I just ordered the 3/32 one These are wonderful people!

Thanks Dave!

Dawn / Mustang Dawn

Mine arrived - wooo hooo, and I gave the 3/32 a run - great! So glad I bought them both and I'll be back after they've run out of energy!

Sadie / SadiesJewels

Thanks to a recommendation by MaryBeth in another thread, I just ordered your 1/16" bit... can't wait to get it. I just went through another $5 bit w/ around 20 small beads...THAT'S rediculous! I think your bit is going to be the answer to my prayers!

Thanks Dave!

love love love the beadreamers - i got both sizes and it not only cuts my time in half but in quarters - man, cleaning beads has never been easier. thanks.

swamper

I have the 3/32 and no longer use anything else! It makes cleaning beads soooo easy.

lldesigns

Got mine awhile ago...sorry it took so long to come and comment, things get busy around here this time of year.

I LOVE THEM!!!! Absolutely love them...they really work!

Thanks Dave, you made a really great product that really does make things easier...

Diana / Chapter1

I just ordered the 3/32.
I have the 1/16 and I love it! Thanks again!

Mary Beth / marybeth

I just got the 1/16" reamer the other day. Looooooove it!!! Cleaned about 30 beads in record time. I had to go for the 3/32"!
__________________
Rebecca / Three Muses Glass

Thank you, Dave, I got mine today. Once you use these, guys, you won't be happy with any other kind. I need all the help I can get to make my beads look better, so now, at least my holes are nice.

splynda

These beadreamers are the best - once you use them, you won't ever use anything else they are so good. I first thought they were expensive, but after I bought a couple and tried them out, I've been hooked ever since. (For starters, the time they save me in cleaning beads makes them a very good bargain). Their quality, coupled with Dave's customer service is truly fantastic.

tassiebeads


I LOVE these. I have both sizes. I use to HATE cleaning my beads, now I actually LOVE to!! It's SO worth the money!

Karen Richard

Hi Dave!

I LOVE these beadreamers! Thanks for the speedy order processing and shipment - you rock!

Best,
Deborah

Hi Dave

I got my 5 in yesterday's post and am, as always, absolutely thrilled with them.

I just finished a 3 day craft fair and was thinking about how much time the little beadreamers had saved me in cleaning all the beads for all the pieces I had for sale. Also, how spotlessly clean the beads are.

Thanks again, Dave, you've got an excellent product in these little things - a big recommendation from me to anyone who wants quality results, time-saving, and ease of use.
Cheers
Mary / tassiebeads

...This is such a great sale on these terrific beadreamers, I can't imagine doing beading without them.
Many thanks again.
Mary / tassiebeads

I tried the reamers last night on 200+ beads with my Foredom flexishaft WOW usually I manually cleaned them in 2 days I'm very impressed how quick and easy to use. 1 of the best tool I ever bought.

Thank you Dave for creating them
__________________
Yunita / gubnavnania

I love these tools... ...I just had to pipe in here tho and say how good it is to see you posting again and how absolutely neccasary this little bit is to my beadmaking abilitys

Wendyki

[Hayley]

Hayley also did not mention that I took a long time to get a custom length BeaDreamer she ordered to her, so I on Oct. 9, 2007, I refunded $19.00 by way of apology for fumbling her order.


Dave - with all due respect, my issue with your tool was that the fine print was NOT made clear when I purchased the tool. It's probably a fine tool for those who don't use Foster Fire but I wish it was made known when I ordered mine. . . thus I think it's important to bring that up in this thread.

As for my not mentioning that you refunded 50% of the cost of the custom length beadreamer I ordered . . . that's because I was trying to be nice and not mentioned that it took FOUR months for my order to arrive!

[Moth]

6 years ago I ordered a pack of 5 diamond coated, off-brand reamer bits for my dremel. I bought them from a bulk seller on ebay. Would never remember the store name if my life depended on it.

A few weeks ago I changed to my second bit out of that pack. At this rate, that pack of bits will last me until I'm 62.

However, if I WERE in the market for some reamer bits this thread would not have dissuaded me from ordering from Dave. At first when I read that people were upset at how fast the coating wears off I kinda cringed and thought--not for me. Then I realized that these people were cleaning a LOT of beads. Big ones too. I make about 500-600 beads a year. LOL Granted, they are big ones. But if I get 1500 beads cleaned on one of these bits that's 3 years for me.

Doesn't seem like enough of an issue to be upset about since I do use Foster Fire S&T and would not switch just to prolong the life of a reamer bit. My choice...as was stated.

1500-2000 beads seems like a lot to me.

~~Mary

[Moth]

Want to add that I think being able to discuss this stuff out in the open is important.

I was able to make an informed decision about this BECAUSE there was a public discussion AND the vendor himself participated in it. If this venue was not as widely read...we might never have heard from the vendor directly because he wouldn't have been aware of the discussion.

Much better to do it this way than have word of mouth traveling about that you can't respond to, Dave.

People meet up at classes, bead meetings, gatherings, conferences and they talk. The same things said in this thread could be said in person or to a group anywhere at any time and you'd have not input at all. Here...you do.

It works.

~~Mary

[Renee]

WTH, Dave! Why are you bringing up my posts???

First of all, not once did I even mention your product, directly or indirectly.

Second, I never claimed that Lasco's burs were sintered. Please go back an read my posts.

Third, if you do a search, you'll find numerous sources of sintered dental burs that are not brass.

Fourth, I never made any claim or statement regarding your product's quality and/or construction, and I don't appreciate your implication to the contrary.

The information I posted was correct, and I'll thank you to please not include me in your discussion of which I was not a participant.

[DesertDreamer]

Just for the record, I've been using a 50/50 blend of Fosterfire (original-regular, not S&T) with Fusion for the last 8 years. It holds the way I need it to for my crazier beads (Flutters and other manipulations). I had Jeff's Inspiration bead reamers in 3/32 and 1/16 since they were introduced, give or take a few months. I loaned the 3/32 to others and the diamond was gone when I got it back. The "others" were cleaning boro beads, though. The 1/16" reamer is still going strong. I bought a 3/32" BeaDreamer 2-3 years ago, and it's been perfect ever since. I'll probably need a new one next year-ish, maybe.

I do miss the cone on Jeff's version, but I love the flat side on the newer version, too. I still use my original 1/16" if I have a "bad" end that can be corrected easily.

[lunesse]

I just used the ones I got from Rio, they work great but they are too wide! I make 1.25" long beads and the reamer won't fit all the way through and gets stuck. MAN I miss my old one, but I have no way to find that guy..... These will work, they just need more care.

I have a HUGE bottle of foster fire and half a huge bottle of bucket of mud, so I won't be changing to sludge plus anytime soon.

I'm sorry to see this thread get a little angry. Info, for and against, has been great in my quest to replace my reamers. I guess I just need to get a 1/16", I had no idea that my old one WAS a 1/16", I used it on everything. :p