This is what I use to shape the hot glass - my fella drilled a big hole in a square chunk of 2" X 4" and we forced the end into the hole so the mandrel would stand up. After a few years, I had dropped it on the floor and the piece of wood broke in two; so now I just have the mandrel standing in a jug of water (for weight) - sizes 9 - 1 stick out the top so I shape the glass around whatever size ring I am making. I bet that's about a clear as mud.
http://www.amazon.ca/Solid-Steel-Siz...ng+sizing+tool