Need help from those that have the EMS

[bead crazy]

I bought the EMS and have been trying to get the hang of it. One of the issues I have is the tuning part. I just can't seem to get the mandrels from having wobble in them. ](*,) ](*,) I think it is straight enough then get the glass on and the bead starts out somewhat even then before I know it it's uneven. I turn the sleeve but it still does not get from having no wobble in it. Any hints that you have that will help me get the hang of this would sure be appreciated.
Thanks

[dla]

Lori, are you sure your mandrels are not bent ? If not then try this: when you have the mandrel in the sleeve, put pressure on the sleeve where the mandrel and sleeve meet and turn it the opposite direction to try to even it out. Or you can do as i do most times, I use the jewelry pliers and with the mandrel out of the sleeve, press the sleeve opening just a bit to close it up a tiny bit. I have a tendacy to press too hard and I've mangled quite a few sleeves this way BUT it works best for ME.
Also, if you aren't holding your EMS pretty much straight across (east to west) you'll loose your bead shape if it's molten enough to move.
I hope this helps.
Debbie

[Kym]

I really only have a problem when the mandrels are bent so therefore I buy a lot of mandrels. You are putting the right sized mandrel in the right sleeve? I only use 1/16 normally and that fits perfectly in the smallest sleeve. Does the sleeve slide in and out OK? It isn't bent? You only need to juuuust nip the end to tighten it on the mandrel if the mandrel is a little loose in the sleeve (I have overdone it a couple of times but managed to untighten it again ok).

Test it with a new straight mandrel that fits perfectly in the smallest sleeve. If that is turning evenly then it must be your technique of putting glass on that needs attention or you aren't holding it level. If your new bead starts to get whoopy, heat it up til it is really melted and keep it in the flame while you touch it with your base colour. If it is hot enough, you can straighten it that way, by letting the rod just skim through the melty glass on the very top. Then when it is straight, take it out and hold it level til it firms up. Then concentrate on not getting the whole bead too melted when you are in the flame again. You may be overheating the bead after you have made it.

PPP you know how it goes. I swear if you use it an hour or two every time you torch, in a week you will be handling it like a trooper!

P.S. I just thought too, try pulling the mandrel much further through the sleeve so your working area is a bit smaller, (not too small) but a bit shorter, that might help you keep it level if it is a little long for you to level while you are learning to use it.

Kym

[Henrywashere]

Im with Kym and Debbie absolutely straight mandrels are a must. Also I keep a file (we call them a bastard file here but I am sure you dont and if I called it a bastard file I am sure you would think I am being rude but I'm not lol) on my worktop and give all the ends a quick little file before I slip them into the sleeve. Another tip is to hold your hand still that has the EMS in it. Try resting on a toilet roll or something like that. If your mandrel is not horizontol to your worksurface you will end up with uneven beads. I think there is a slight learning curve but when you "get it" you wont ever want to make beads without it. If my mandrels have a bend in them I cut them shorter I can use them down to about 5 inches in the EMS you just have to remove them with your pliers and put them in the kiln with the pliers.

[KEW]

Bent mandrels are my only problem, and if the bend is near an end, I just cut the mandrel down to about 6" and keep the straight part.

Are you keeping a lot of the mandrel exposed? I push mine right down to the bead release. I tighten the ends of the brass tubes frequently, and tuck all the tubes down to where they all 'just fit' and hold.

As I recall, according to the directions, a slight wobble can sometimes be alleviated with a small twist of the mandrel in the brass sleeve. I think there is also a tutorial on Scott's site. You might also try a larger mandrel that you know is straight, to see if that makes a difference and then try to figure it out from there.

I have to tell you I LOVE this tool. If you have to buy all new mandrels, do it. They are cheap versus the joy of using this tool. If I could only have two tools I would opt for this and my torch marver!

Please let us know if you get things working!

[bead crazy]

Thanks so much everyone.
I am leaving the mandrel out a ways so I will try that too. I would sit there and turn and twist and it would just not get even but I can see that maybe it was having the mandrel out away. I also checked my mandrels right away. The 1/16 would get loose too so I pinched the end a little then it would get tighter but it kept getting loose. I had a DVD that Scott sent with it with all the info about the EMS but it just did not work. I will keep at it I worked on it for about 2 hrs but did not get one good bead so I was a bit discouraged. I will also rest my hand on something maybe my had was not as level as I thought it was.