cleaning bead holes

[SquareOneBeads]

Do any of you use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove bead release? Does it work? I hate reaming them so was wondering if there was an easier way.

Heather

[Curly Irish Girl]

Did anyone buy the LONG diamond bit for a dremmel at The Gathering - it was demoe at Arrow Springs booth - struck me as a potential and am now wishing I had bought it and saved the postage - if you have one, how is it working out?

[SuzyQ]

One word - Dremell. No two words - cordless dremel (or dremel substitute) It doesn't take all the pain away but it sure is much faster than the reaming process.
The problem with an ultrasonic (and yes I have tried it) is that with transparants you still need to ream.

[Rhapsody Fire Beads]

Hi QZ!!!!
Does an ultrasonic completely eliminate using a dremel or reamer on most beads?
~Suzy~

[SuzyQ]

Yes I thought so. But.... mine is a small one and I could only fit about 5 or 6 beads and have it work successfully. I found it didn't really save me any time since I could dremel those same beads in less time.
Now if you got a big sucker :)... I wonder how much that would cost.

[Jude Rose]

Cordless dremel witht he bead in the water all the way. Rio Grande has the long diamond bits. It's so simple that way, it's stupid.

[beadfreak]

Hi QZ!!!!
Does an ultrasonic completely eliminate using a dremel or reamer on most beads?
~Suzy~If it's got enough ooommmphh...
The small hobby thingies usually don't have enough power.
The commercial ones starting with at least 100W power might do the job.
Personally I would prefer even 200W and more.

You would also want to use the right solutions/solvents with those.
Usually there is some powder or liquid concentrate like that for the washing machine.
NO, NOT the real washing machine powder.
Wow, that could be a mess, hi, hi.

And the right insets or suspension devices to keep the beads in place.
Usually coming with the device...

It's not cheap, but once you have it it's almost forever.

[SuzyQ]

I tried mine with just vinegar and water. I have a professional one I got years ago when I worked in a jewelry store. It worked well. BTW, I just checked ebay and you can get a bigger professional machine for a decent price. You've got me thinking.....

[Rhapsody Fire Beads]

Thanks Rud and QZ! I must have 1200 beads that need to be cleaned and it kills my back to stand at the sink & do it!! Thanks everyone!!!!
By the way, funny story..... I got the new dremel with 38,000 rpm (I think that is right), & cleaned some beads with it on high. I was really diggin this, kept telling Hubby wow! This is sooooooo fast and I can get every speck of that shit of these!! Well it made the holes all huge and wonky!! I use it on 2 now instead of 10. it's a power house! doh.......

~Suzy~

[SuzyQ]

Hey Suzy I just won a bigger one for $49. I'll let you know how it works when I try it. Here is one like it from the same seller:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5021800869&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BID_Stores

[Lizabeads]

I use a cordless dremel with the diamond bit in water...works great \\:D/

[Kalera]

A tip for those who Dremel; if you do a LOT of beads in a sitting, it can be really hard on your wrist and shoulders to use a cordless, as they're fairly heavy. Consider instead a flex-shaft, which is nice and lightweight but also without the risk of electrical shock, providing you keep the base higher than the water of course! (I hang mine on a hook by the sink.)

I'm still seriously considering an ultrasonic, though.

[rosiescreations]

I use a cordless dremel.

Someone posted awhile ago about vinegar.(Thank You so much) So I soak mine for a bit in vinegar and water. And it really makes the release come off fast.

[Rhapsody Fire Beads]

Does anyone know which one I should buy?? The real professional $375.00 model, or the 49.99? Hubby said I can get one! Yippee!!!! Any brand names??? And one more time so I am really clear on this..... Do you have to ream them at all after using an ultrasonic? Does it get it all out? I am a nut about clean bead holes.

~Suzy~

[SuzyQ]

Mine is on it's way. I'll let you know. I'm thinking the ultrasonic and then the dishwasher ought to do the trick. Imagine not reaming out non-transparant beads........ It was worth $50 just to try it.

[Corinne - GOC]

Hey Suzy ... inquiring minds want to know ... did your $50 one work?