What mandrel size do you use and why?

[lynn's lampwork]

I'm thinking of going to 3/32 mandrels exclusively because I can be a female Incredible Hulk and bend the 1/16 ALL the time!

I have heard that 1/16 is better for jewelry, is that true?

Waiting for your input! :-\"
Thanks!
Lynn

[dogmaw]

It depends. I like 1/16" for small beads, and 3/32" for large beads, and 1/8" for honkin huge beads. Aren't I a help? :lol:

[Pookies85]

I am using up everything I have slowly as I switch to 5/64. They are between the 1/16 and 3/32. I can use them for most large beads or small beads. Basically, it requires no thinking and they are hard to bend.

Good luck,
Lisa

[Flamechick]

If you are making bangles with 12 gauge wire, then you'll need to use the 3/32 mandrels. But, 3/32 sized holes are too big for jewelry that is strung on Beadalon or Soft Flex. I know some people will slide a smaller bead on the wire to nestle within the bigger bead so that it is stablized and not all wonky on the Soft Flex, but that method doesn't work really well for me. I prefer to use 1/16 sized mandrells for anything strung on Soft Flex.

[loco]

I use what ever is dipped..... I like the 3/32 for aliens but will use 1/8. I need 1/16 for a lot of beads and I even find myself needing .045 (hole size about 1 mm) quite often.

NEVER bend a mandrel just because you don't think you'll use or need it now. You will be kicking your butt later!!!!!!!

[Judi_B]

I use mostly 3/32, but am thinking about switching to 5/64. Lisa, where do you get the 5/64? I'm having a hard time finding them.

[Hothead Beads]

1/16th here for the most part. They seem to work better in jewelry. I hold the mandrel with pliers closely to bead when removing it. I rarely bend the mandrels.

[alexm]

I use 1/16th for small soft beads and 3/32nd for boro beads. I don't bend the 1/16th mandrels as long as I don't crack the bead release, but I'll burn right through one if I'm doing boro.

[JanMD]

I bend everything below 1/8". So I use that 90% of the time. The balance is larger diameter. I am sorry to say that I never asked any jewelry designers what they prefer. I am so self-absorbed! Me me me me .... it's all about me.

JanMD

[Ro]

I use as large a mandrel as i need to get the chain through the hole. for ones that will be used with wire i use smaller, i measure the dipped mandrel before i start.
ro

[Toni L.]

I use all three main sizes depending on what it is I'm making. I'm dying to try the 5/64, but can't find a local welding shop that carries that size. Not sure why, but I'll keep looking. I know Sundance carries the 5/64 - $25 for 2lbs, about 116 mandrels. Want to share some?
8)
http://www.sundanceglass.com/glass-bead-tools-r.htm

[lainee733]

i'd share some with you toni, don't think i would need 116 mandrels lol

[Nejoum]

I got some 5/64 from Lyn at Artemis on Ebay.
I love them..
When I manage to arrange some money want to get some.
Diana