What is the rule of thumb for bead thickness?

[glass_beads]

How fat does the bead need to be in comparison to the mandrel? I know there is some rule of thumb but since I never make skinny beads this has never been an issue to me. For example, does a bead made on a 3/32" mandrel need to be at least 3/16" thick or does it need to be at least 9/32" thick? What's the "rule"?

I really should know this, so I feel like a real dumb*ss even asking!


I asked this over on WC and didn't get a definitive answer -- I'm just looking for that commonly told rule of thumb.

[Doolollies]

I try to keep the amount of glass to twice the size of the mandrel. Especially for pressed beads. If my glass is not at least that they break in half from hole to hole.

Linda

[Lynn Larson]

That's pretty much it! You have to have at least the thickness of the mandrel all of the way around.

[glass_beads]

Bingo...just what I was looking for! Thanks so much!!!