Mandrel Length

[susiekline]

How short of a mandrel do you use? I've been using 9" and 12" and the 12s are just too long for my kiln. I'm afraid I'm going to eletrocute myself when I put them in because they are so close to the side elements!

I can cut them down...but how short can I go?

[beadgoodies]

I suppose you could go as short as you're comfortable with. I load my beads from the side and I appreciate the length. When I use 9" mandrels, it's uncomfortable to put them in because my fingers get singed! If you can get away with using short mandrels, go for it. The shorter mandrels are cheaper anyway!

Candy

[Lisa]

I use 9 inch because the 12 won't fit in my kiln. I have an enamelling kiln, no bead door, so they have to fit in there with the door closed. I have to put a glove on my right hand when I go to place the mandrel in the kiln -- it's automatic now, so it's not a problem. L

[Teri.p]

My mandrels start out at 9", but when they get a bend in the end, I nip off the crooked part. Some of my 1/16" mandrels are not much more than 6" long - I use pliers to put them in the kiln.

Teri P

[della]

Kathy Johnson at Glass Expressions near Seattle had us load our mandrels in by inserting them in a 8" or so piece of that metal channel stuff used to make stained glass.