Rod rest in kiln?

[Flamechick]

I'm wondering if it's safe to use a rod rest like the one in the picture to use as a mandrel rest in the kiln? I've ordered a couple mandrel "couches" for the kiln, but they haven't arrived yet. Just wanted to check to see if anyone has tried this, or knows of reasons why it's not a good idea.

Thanks!

22133

[alexm]

I'm wondering if it's safe to use a rod rest like the one in the picture to use as a mandrel rest in the kiln? I've ordered a couple mandrel "couches" for the kiln, but they haven't arrived yet. Just wanted to check to see if anyone has tried this, or knows of reasons why it's not a good idea.

Thanks!

22133


I don't see why you couldn't.

[Flamechick]

Alex: I can't think of a reason either. Other than some funky coating on the metal? :-k

Thanks for responding!

[funfuser]

you can, I just bought two & they said they can be used in kiln. Go for it!

[Flamechick]

you can, I just bought two & they said they can be used in kiln. Go for it!

Woo hoo! If things go as planned (always a big if), I'll give it a go this weekend.

[Three Muses Glass]

I use them in mine no problem. What's a mandrel couch? Amber, do you have a link? It's got to have more space on it than these rod holders.

[Flamechick]

I use them in mine no problem. What's a mandrel couch? Amber, do you have a link? It's got to have more space on it than these rod holders.

Here's the link. I think the proper term is "couch kiln" It's just like me to mangle the terminology! :biggrin:

http://heritageglass.com/index2.htm

Edited to add: Grrrr..link just takes you to the home page. Will add a pic in next post.

[Flamechick]

Here's a pic of the kiln couch. It's located on the same page as the kilns and kiln accessories:

22152

[Three Muses Glass]

Oh thanks! I've seen them before somewhere. Now who was the one around here selling them to any size...hmmmm...Inspiration Toolworks? Maybe I think. Off to look around.:wave:

[jaylee78]

I'm wondering if it's safe to use a rod rest like the one in the picture to use as a mandrel rest in the kiln? I've ordered a couple mandrel "couches" for the kiln, but they haven't arrived yet. Just wanted to check to see if anyone has tried this, or knows of reasons why it's not a good idea.

Thanks!

22133

I use one in my chili pepper. It gets discolored but it works.

[JanMD]

If you wanted to make your own custom-designed "kiln couch", you can get small pieces of the stainless steel perforated sheet here: http://www.smallparts.com/products/descriptions/pmx%20and%20pmxx.cfm

By the way, if you are anything of a tool nut, you will love the Small Parts catalog. Makes you want to build stuff.

JanMD

[Flamechick]

If you wanted to make your own custom-designed "kiln couch", you can get small pieces of the stainless steel perforated sheet here: http://www.smallparts.com/products/descriptions/pmx%20and%20pmxx.cfm

By the way, if you are anything of a tool nut, you will love the Small Parts catalog. Makes you want to build stuff.

JanMD

Cool site, Jan! Thanks for sharing!

[Cosmo]

I have one of the "couches" and it works great. A good thing about it is that you can turn it around opposite of that photo, and when you stick beads in, you just stick the tips of the mandrels into the holes in the metal. You can put 25-30 mandrels in it if you plan it right...

Of course, most of the time I just put my beads right on the kiln floor...

[Flamechick]

I have one of the "couches" and it works great. A good thing about it is that you can turn it around opposite of that photo, and when you stick beads in, you just stick the tips of the mandrels into the holes in the metal. You can put 25-30 mandrels in it if you plan it right...

Of course, most of the time I just put my beads right on the kiln floor...

Good to know! Can't wait for my "couches" to get here!

[silkys]

Was just at home depot ... you can get a whole sheet of this stuff and make your own .

[Flamechick]

Was just at home depot ... you can get a whole sheet of this stuff and make your own .

I did try the handy girl route with that grill sheet from Home Depot, but it was tougher to cut than I expected. If you don't have bolt cutters or some kind of saw (Dremel cutting wheels don't work on it either - ask me how I know), you'll have to borrow the tools or buy them.

[mikefras]

I have made those for some local lampworkers, just make sure they are made of stainless steel. Regular steel flakes off and leaves a mess in the kiln. It cleans up easy, the regular steel has to be sandblasted to get rid of the scale from the mfg process.