Mandrel won't "catch" glass

[ashley2608]

Please help!

I bought Blue Coat mandrel release and dipped my mandrels in on Tuesday night and let them dry for 48 hours. The bottle states to dry for 24, but I couldn't start making beads until last night. I'm working soleley with boro.
I melted clear rod until it was molten and tried to wrap it on my mandrel but the glass would not stick to the mandrel so I could not wrap it. Am I doing something wrong? I coated the mandrel completely but it is just not working...so frustrating!

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!!

Ashley

[Deb Hopeful Journeys]

Did you get the mandrel hot before you added glass to it? The glass won't adhere unless the mandrel is hot!

[Karen Hardy]

Originally Posted by Deb Hopeful Journeys

Did you get the mandrel hot before you added glass to it? The glass won't adhere unless the mandrel is hot!

This. Doesn't matter how hot you got the glass - you've got to get the
mandrel hot too, or they wont stick together. And remember, hot doesn't
mean MOLTEN. It's very, very easy to burn through a mandrel. Do not
get frustrated when you do (you will). We all went through a shitload
of mandrels when we were learning.

Where abouts are you located? If you are near any members, you
can perhaps contact them and see if you can come over for a look
see on the basics. Lots of people on here are willing to meet up.
There are also most likely some good basic classes in the area.
If you think a beginning class is expensive - try factoring in all
the mandrels, glass, oxygen, propane, etc you will be wasting
while you try and figure this out. I took a basic class after struggling
a bit, and I was thrilled to death with how much I learned and how
many mistakes I avoided.

[ashley2608]

I did heat up the mandrel but it still didn't work. I'm going to try again tonight. I may have been getting too frustrated with myself and not heated up the mandrel enough. I've made soft glass beads before but I used a different bead release.

@Karen - I'm located in podunkville, AL ...not really the name, but you get the idea

The closest place I can take a class is in Atlanta which is a little over a 2 hour drive. I'm trying to save up to take a class or two; I'm thinking I'll be able to take one this summer.

Thank you both for your help!!!

[Lorraine Chandler]

I have to lightly buff my mandrels after each use because I soak my beads in dish soap water to help release my beads. It leaves a residue on them. Then the bead release just breaks loose and slides around on the mandrel.


So I wash them, buff them with a manicure block, wipe them clean and then dip them about three inches into the bead release.

I also always buff new mandrels. When I get ready to make a bead I heat the mandrel to a soft warm glow on the area I plan to create the base bead, take it out of the flame for a few seconds then start my wrap. Hope you figure it out soon.

[Jane P]

I always have to give my new mandrels a light sanding before dipping.
I also clean the used ones with a green scrubbie before I dip in bead release.

[jaci]

ok so the mandrel is hot.. is the glass hot enough?

Mandrel should glow, glass should be a glowing ball of goo-ish.

PS HI Welcome!!!!!!!

[beadsoncypress]

If you are using the "blue" I think you might be. Treat it like this, Heat the mandrel til the blue turns almost black, then grey, then white, When I it is white, it is ready to accept glass.....actually when you follow this it makes it easy!!!