Tools needed for Lentil Beads?

[funfuser]

1) Do I need a lentil press to make lentil beads, or is there a version with my marver & basic tools? Everything I see refers to a lentil press....

2) If that is the only way, I would appreciate your suggestion on a lentil press...
Thanks!

[DarleenMB]

You definitely need a press to make a lentil. If you aren't sure about what a lentil bead looks like, go to the grocery store and buy a bag of lentils (they're in the bean section).

I use my original CBS press and really like it a lot.

[alexm]

To make perfect lentils quickly you need a press. I've tried to use tongs and a marver to make lentils, but let's just say that after a lot of work and bad words the results were just not worth mentioning.

[chrisdd]

There's a try-it-and-pass-it-along thread in the Game Room for Zoozii's presses. Come join the fun!

[SuzyQ]

I don't think a press is the only way. You can shape them with a spoon if you are willing to keep cooling off the spoon in water.
But a press sure makes it much easier.

[wendbill]

Arrow Springs has a lentil mold marveer which I'm currently struggling with - mind you probably more a user problem at this end...

[Reenie]

I also have the Arrow Springs lentil mold....If you create a football shape..(info shared to me from this board) it usually helps make it rounder.
I also create the football shape and sometimes just flatten it on a marver and sometimes I even get a better lentil shape then with the mold! But at least with the mold, you'll get a consistant size.
Good luck
Irene

[Just Nancy]

Many people use spoons or ice tongs. I think some use marble molds.

If you're going to spend the money research what you like the best, or try the press game thread. (Watch till someone posts and then be the first to speak for it.) There are about 6 manufacturers of brass presses at this point I think. The probably all have pros and cons.

I finally bought one and rarely get the ends to look right.

Good luck.

[JanMD]

Annie Simpson compared two presses with two tongs. The report is Putting the Glass to the Brass: Masher Road Testing, and is here: http://www.sgb-midatlantic.org/features/feature8_mashers.html

JanMD

[adovbs]

Annie Simpson compared two presses with two tongs. The report is Putting the Glass to the Brass: Masher Road Testing, and is here: http://www.sgb-midatlantic.org/features/feature8_mashers.html

JanMD

The only issue I have with that review is that it doesn't mention as a "con" on the tongs reviews that you are pretty limited as to what sizes you can make - I mean, quarters only come in one size, for example. Whereas with the Zooziis trios or Cattwalk, you can have an array of sizes. Yeah, it's more expensive, but the options are greater. And the uniformity, if you make sets, is also a plus for the machined presses.

Anyway, just an aside.

[lunamoonshadow]

I *want* a zoozii lentil press (and catt's daisy press, with a base, and, and, and....)....but, for the moment, for my PPP beadies, i'm playing with set of tapley tongs, and they make perfectly fun, serviceable lentils :). Yes, just one size, but, for the price, can't beat 'em. They're fun, easy, and perfectly "beginner-worthy" :lol:....
~luna

[shawnette]

I *want* a zoozii lentil press (and catt's daisy press, with a base, and, and, and....)....but, for the moment, for my PPP beadies, i'm playing with set of tapley tongs, and they make perfectly fun, serviceable lentils :). Yes, just one size, but, for the price, can't beat 'em. They're fun, easy, and perfectly "beginner-worthy" :lol:....
~luna

A plus for the Tapleys is they come in multiple sizes and they are cheap. You can buy 3 tongs for a lot less than a triple press.

[pittypat]

Ok, I give up...what are Tapley tongs??? Thanks...

[shawnette]

they are tongs used to shape lentils:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZtapcraftQQhtZ-1

[pittypat]

Thanks, Shawnette, I will go now and check them out...

[Nejoum]

I love my Tapley Tongs!
I have several!
Diana

[beadandi]

Hi.:waving:
I am usually a lurker here but have gleaned lots of good info. plus I love all the eye candy from the artists on this forum. I have a question...I purchased a lentil bead press from CattWalk and I love it BUT, for probably every 5 lentils I make, 1 of them breaks...right down the middle where the mandrel was. :( I know it is a user problem but I can't for the life of me figure out what I do differently on the ones that break than the ones that don't. If I am doing a set, I always do an extra one because I know I am going to lose one. Any help, suggestions would be great.

Thanks,
Sandi
www.sassyglassdesigns.com

[CalamitysClan]

Hi.:waving:
I am usually a lurker here but have gleaned lots of good info. plus I love all the eye candy from the artists on this forum. I have a question...I purchased a lentil bead press from CattWalk and I love it BUT, for probably every 5 lentils I make, 1 of them breaks...right down the middle where the mandrel was. :( I know it is a user problem but I can't for the life of me figure out what I do differently on the ones that break than the ones that don't. If I am doing a set, I always do an extra one because I know I am going to lose one. Any help, suggestions would be great.

Thanks,
Sandi
www.sassyglassdesigns.com

Sandi

A break down the length of the mandrel is usually a thermal break. At some point in making that particular bead you let it get too cool. It's harder when you spend a lot of time decorating it to keep it warm but you should flash it in and out of the flame once in a while. I've also had it happen if I "admire" it a little too long before putting it up.

Patricia

[beadandi]

Thanks for the reply Patricia. I figured that was what was happening but I have been very careful about flashing them now but sometimes they still break....I guess I am not flashing them enough. Thanks again. Sandi