Really BIG HOLE mandrels
 

Anybody know where I can find them. Not Pandora compatible...bigger.

Thank you!

You could look at some of the metal rods at the hardware stores.

They have 5/16 to 7/8 rod.

You will want to scrub them and maybe sand them to get the oils off and the grind the burs off from cutting them to size.

Maybe even run them through the flame a few times before dipping them.

The big box stores should have a wider selection.

Great advice! Thank you. I suspect this option will be most economical. ;-)

Arrow Springs has them up to inch & a half

http://www.arrowsprings.com/html/mandrels-tubes.html

dj

Hobby shops carry hollow stainless tubes.

Aye, that reminds me that you really want stainless steel because other metals will conduct the heat of the torch right into your fingers before you even realize it.

Stainless does not conduct heat very much.

Some the hardware stores here in farm country have stainless steel tubing for dairy farm uses so you could look there as well.

I accidentally order 1/2 inch stainless steel rods and had them cut to 9 inches from local welder. If these rods will work for you I'll sell them to you for the price of the metal.

You want stainless tubing, NOT rod. IMHO?

Lots of options at good prices here: http://www.devardiglass.com/mandrels.htm

Thanks everyone...yes, I should have specified tubing as a rod would get toasty!!! Thanks Lisa (GlassGalore), I already checked them out. I am also purchasing one from an LE relative :-)

Howaco

Howaco has big mandrels too