CBS Dual crunch?

[cakey]

Does any one know how to use this?

[mintleaf]

I am not sure what this tool looks like, but if it is long and skinny with a dip in the middle like Cattwalk's press you put a lot of glass (depends on the press) in a barrel shape and then just press. Start with just a plain cheap color that way you can add glass if you don't have enough to begin with with.

Another thing to do is to use molding clay first for a trial run. That way you will know exactly how much glass you need!

[cakey]

Thanks I'll try that!! Anyone else want to add to that?
I would love to hear from you!!

[WeeMary]

I use the Cattwalk crunch. I like to straighten the ends by touching them with a marver while it's hot, so they don't bulge so much. It's a lovely press!

[daisydog7]

I have the Cattwalk press as well and I really like the beads it makes. I have a terrible time, tho, trying to make beads of a like shape and size. I use lots of different color and size rods, and I add stringer designs, so trying to use the same amount of glass is really hard. I have found that by letting the glass cool a little before I press I don't go over the edge as much and make a rim. I would really, really, really love to perfect my skills with this press! I am thinking of ordering a wider/deeper crunch (I have the dual) so that when I use too much glass it could handle it.

[SuzyQ]

To get your crunch beads all the same size you need to measure your round bead. To do this you can use another press base cavity or a ruler drawn on your bench. First lay down your footprint, hold it over you ruler and get a measurement. Then add on what you think is the right amount of glass and measure the width with your ruler. Using this technique you can get pretty consistant sized beads.
For pressing I do two things specific to this press. One, I let the glass cool a bit more than other presses. This helps keep the glass from oozing out over the mandrel and keeps the mandrel fairly cented thickness wise. The other is to give it a press press by gently pressing in the base only on each side just to give it some shape assistance. If I find it is too round for my taste I can marver and reheat for a perfect press.

[Starrr]

I use my lentil mold for sizing and make my squeezed beads the shape of a slender lemon. I also shape up the lemon in the lentil mold before pressing in the crunch and wait for the glow to almost be gone in the bead. This gives me the most consistent squeezed shapes.

These are my best selling beads for bracelets because the are so comfortable to wear.

[cakey]

So what shape do you acually put in the press? round, lemon, barrel?
I really appreciate everyones help on this!
Cyndi

[WeeMary]

I use a lemon or American football.

[SuzyQ]

Yeah, a lemon or football shape is what I use too.

[SuzyQ]

Geeze, I just had a duh moment. Here is a tutorial with pictures:
http://www.cattwalk.com/tutorials/crunch1.htm

[cakey]

Thanks Suzy!, Now that really helped alot!!
Cyndi

[FourTailsLampwork]

I will try the lemon shape. Once I get myself moved, that is! I'd been trying that barrel shape shown in the tutorial, and getting crunches that had ugly ends, bleeding up around the mandrel. A lemon shape will probably fix that problem!

[AlivELampworK]

i always use a barrel shape and get pretty consistent looking shapes..




the tutorial on catt's website is very helpful. i hope you start making beautiful crunch beads!