how the heck do you cut murrini?

[evenia]

I have the correct nippers, I have the wheeled nippers. I've scored it first. How the hell do you cut a slice off a murrini rod? I made a nemo and I can't make slices to but in my work. I have pretty much ruined the little rod I made trying to cut it. Again, I do have the nippers that are made to do this.

[Cosmo]

I cut them with the regular wheel nippers.

Another way to use them without cutting is to melt one end to a rod (so you have a way to hold it) then let it cool or pop it into the kiln. Once cool, make the bead you are going to use it on. Spot heat the place you want the murrini to be, stick the rod to it, and let it cool. Wiggle it back and forth and it will break off leaving a "slice" of the murrini behind.

[bclogan]

Originally Posted by Cosmo

I cut them with the regular wheel nippers.

Another way to use them without cutting is to melt one end to a rod (so you have a way to hold it) then let it cool or pop it into the kiln. Once cool, make the bead you are going to use it on. Spot heat the place you want the murrini to be, stick the rod to it, and let it cool. Wiggle it back and forth and it will break off leaving a "slice" of the murrini behind.

What a great method!!! I also have a heck of a time nipping them off. I think it's just a personal thing. I've never seen any one else's method, so I just keep fussing with it. I'm sure I'm doing something wrong in my technique.

Barbara

[G.L.McBead]

I saw some place that if you put a metal washer or two with a hole about the size of the rod on the table and put it in that to cut it.
I have not tried yet but need too.
Cosmo's way sounds good.Will it work for boro?
Boro is what I need to slice.
G.

[dogmaw]

I've started making murrini big enough it won't fit in the nippers so I ended up getting a diamond wet saw. (thanks Ro!)

[tiggybubba]

Could you use the diamond discs on a dremel tool? I think you would have to use some sort of cooling agent but do you think that would work? I have avoided cutting up my single rods of these colours in fear that I would screw them up.

[SteveWright]

Evie,

You have the right tool, you just need a technique. Practice on a regular glass rod. There is no need to score the rod. Center the rod between the wheels of the nipper and Squeeze quickly. The chip will fly off, into a box where it is aimed. Wear protective eyeware and don't try to make too thin a chip at first.

Steve

[MaryBeth]

This is the best tip I have ever seen for cutting millis with disc nippers:

http://www.beadsbymavis.com/mm5/merc...gory_Code=Tips

Scroll down to where it says Make the Most of Your Millis and be sure to click on the link where it says image.

It does work!