what size mandrels do you use? [Archive]

dragonfly designs 56

2010-03-25, 4:59am

Its been so long since I bought mandrels (over five years) dont know what size to buy. Lets put it this way, what is the biggest size mandrel that will fit in a normal sized zoozis press since i press most of my beads.

GlassGalore

2010-03-25, 5:03am

I'd say 3/32 :)

ETA: That is... 3/32 if I'm just answering the second part of your question about the largest mandrel that will fit in a standard Zooziis press.

I actually use not only 3/32, but also 5/64, 1/16 and 1/4.

Carolyn M

2010-03-25, 5:32am

I use 1/16 for all my beads. They work better in jewelry without having to fill the hole with seed beads to stop things wobbling

RSimmons

2010-03-25, 6:07am

Much of my work goes to BoC so I use 3/32 most of the time. I use 1/29 for earring parts. I have a ton of 1/16 but don't use them often.

Robert

CO_Phantom

2010-03-25, 8:35am

Oh dear GOD, 1/29?!??!?!?!
You wanna talk eensy weensy! I think those would get LOST on my workbench!!

-Amy

RSimmons

2010-03-25, 10:16am

They are teeny little boogers. You've got to use a small flame and really control the heat or they go ppppffftttt. They're great when you need little tiny bead holes.

Robert

Flame&Fusion

2010-03-25, 1:00pm

I use 5/32 or even 1/4, especially if you want to put em on substantial chains

Alaska

2010-03-25, 1:15pm

Exclusively work in boro for beads. Use 1/8 for most non cored beads, 3/16 and 1/4 for silver cored beads.

Tried 1/16, but with boro you end up with a lot of burned up stainless steel.

Lisi

2010-03-25, 1:30pm

5/64" if you want a size that is in between 1/16" and 3/32".

Jasio

2010-03-25, 1:37pm

I almost always use 3/32" as does Andrea. I hate how many 1/16" I ended up throwing out because they got bent when I used to use them.

Jason

Ekkie

2010-03-25, 3:53pm

I want 5/64 (2mm) but welding rods aren't made in that size in Australia.
Anyone know where I can buy some 5/64 mandrels? I emailed Artemis glass as recommended in another thread but never received a reply.

CO_Phantom

2010-03-25, 3:56pm

CO_Phantom

2010-03-25, 3:56pm

They are teeny little boogers. You've got to use a small flame and really control the heat or they go ppppffftttt. They're great when you need little tiny bead holes.

Robert

:lol:

I can even hear that sound in my head! pppppffftttt.

Haha.

-Amy

Ekkie

2010-03-25, 7:17pm

Thanks Amy - I'll give them a try.

CO_Phantom

2010-03-25, 7:22pm

If you can't find 'em or shipping is too ridiculous, I can get some for you if you'd like.

-Amy

killerbeedz1

2010-03-25, 11:35pm

Depends what I'm doing. For all of my presses, I'll use 1/16th. If I'm using a beadroller, I use 3/32. If I'm doing a Pandora Bead 1/4" or 3/16th.

RSimmons

2010-03-26, 8:12am

:lol:

I can even hear that sound in my head! pppppffftttt.

Haha.

-Amy

Lots of sparks for a couple of seconds, too. Very colorful. After the first one I learned quickly about where the mandrel needed to be in relation to the flame. No problems since then. They're also easier on a Cricket than a Phantom:)

Robert