Beads on keys

ccaronn · #1 2015-09-15, 6:04pm

Hi,
How do they do this - do they use the key as a mandrel, heating it in the flame?
TiA.
Christine

Speedslug · #2 2015-09-15, 6:20pm

That is the way I have seen it done.

Slather some bead release on the metal in something approximating a uniform thin layer and then lock the key into some kind of holder (hemostats I think) and fire up the torch.

A rubber spatula works for putting on the bead release but so does a finger.

Eileen · #3 2015-09-15, 6:21pm

And dipped in bead release if you want it to be able to spin.
You also have to have the correct metal so you don't melt it or cause it to off gas, etc.
I've only gathered some keys so far, but here are some threads where people who really know talk about it.
http://lampworketc.com/forums/search...rchid=10170139

ccaronn · #4 2015-09-15, 7:21pm

Thank you both!

Eileen · #5 2015-09-15, 7:49pm

Good luck! I keep forgetting to try it, but I do want to give it a shot. I spent all morning asking for keys at a flea market. I just wasn't willing to pay the price some wanted though, so I didn't get a ton.

one hot beader · #6 2015-09-15, 11:26pm

They need to be steel keys.
Take a magnet to check.

The other kind just melt.

Elizabeth Beads · #7 2015-09-16, 6:41am

They can be iron or brass too. Iron is magnetic, brass is not.

I get mine on eBay.

ccaronn · #8 2015-09-16, 7:52am

Thank you all!

mewkittie · #9 2015-09-16, 11:05am

I make my beads on keys so the move so I dip my key from the bottom end into my release and leave the top loop part without release on it. To hold my keys I use a thick rod of glass, melt a big blob and push the loop part into the blob, then using some flattening tool, smash it down so the loop is held by the glass. The rod acts as my mandrel. This part never goes back into the flame until I'm done making the beads. When I'm ready to put it into the kiln, I'll put the loop part into the flame and it will thermal shock and crack off the rod. If there is any glass left after it comes out of the kiln, I'll smash it off with a hammer.

jaci · #10 2015-09-26, 6:12am

I took a 50 cent bulldog clip and wired it to the end if a mandrel. I might have even used electrical tape on top.. And use this to hold my keys in place then just grap it with tongs when I'm done and put just the key in the kiln. Here is the clip type I'm talking about.