cleaning big hole beads

[kirrakat123]

Hi, I have started making big hole beads useing a 5 mm.
mandrel. I have found them very hard to clean the bead
release out of the hole. The biggest hole cleaning tool
I can find is for the 3.2 mm. mandrels, but it's just not
big enough. I have checked some of the glass websites,
but can't find anything bigger. There must be big hole or
pandora bead release cleaning tools around. Anyone know
of any? Thanks

[Three Muses Glass]

I use this sort of thing. See the second one down? It fits in the BHB's pretty well.
http://www.mountainglassarts.com/4-T...&category=2781

These are in Australia.
http://www.affordableinspiration.com...ing-tools.html
Same thing.

[SuzyQ]

I have a tapered bit that gets as thick as 1/8th. It doesn't fill the hole so I move my hand in a small circular motion applying pressure to the inside of the bead.

[BeadBlossoms]

I have the drill bit I use to clean BHB's on my site if you want to take a look - Drill bit

[SuzyQ]

That's a nice sized bit Donna!

[Lisi]

First thing, start off with using a low residue bead release like KRAG Mudd. It's very smooth and strong enough to be used with BHBs. It practically cleans itself out of the holes in water, and then I use a regular 3/32" diamond coated bead reamer bit and do what SuzyQ does to gently clean the hole.

[Alaska]

For cleaning beads BHB made with a 3/8 inch mandrel the same process as Suzy uses works well. If you would like to work faster or the release is tough, then try one of the larger OD diamond bits that fit a Dremel. Have been using a Dremel Stylus and bits from Widget Supply when needed.

Found that most bead releases do not need the use of a power tool. But did try some blue release that needed grinding to remove. Now use a home made formula that works well for my applications.

A 13/64 inch or a 4.8 mm OD 150 Grit Round End Cylinder Diamond Burr with a 1/8 inch shank will work with the Stylus.

[Kalorlo]

You can use silicon carbide grit with the mandrel you made the bead on (dip mandrel in water, dip in grit, ream, collect grit in water pot).

I do that sometimes, or I just ream it a bit with the bare mandrel as I'm taking it off and do a quick go around with my normal bead reamer. I'm using fusion and I'd say BHBs were easier to clean than smaller beads.

[yellowbird]

Originally Posted by Kalorlo

You can use silicon carbide grit with the mandrel you made the bead on (dip mandrel in water, dip in grit, ream, collect grit in water pot).

I do that sometimes, or I just ream it a bit with the bare mandrel as I'm taking it off and do a quick go around with my normal bead reamer. I'm using fusion and I'd say BHBs were easier to clean than smaller beads.

this is easy and work very well on all beads sizes

I make a paste with the silicon and put a small amount on the mandrel as you remove the bead.
Cleans the mandrel and the bead in one step.
you can buy it on line

one lb will last many years

[Sherry]

I use chainsaw sharpening bits. Like this:

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_00928892000P

I got a kit of several sizes for, like, 5 bucks. They work brilliantly, and they're cheap.

[2xMI]

Thanks for the link, Sherry; they look perfect.

Mimi

[shawnette]

Originally Posted by Sherry

I use chainsaw sharpening bits...

Me too! You can get them dirt cheap at Harbor Freight & Widget Supply:

http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/...emel-chain-saw

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...its-32375.html

[Lisi]

Originally Posted by Sherry

I use chainsaw sharpening bits. Like this:

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_00928892000P

I got a kit of several sizes for, like, 5 bucks. They work brilliantly, and they're cheap.

Wow, thanks!!! I had no idea the perfect size existed!

[Hayley]

I use this one for under $2 . If you buy 2 or more it's $1.77ea, a full dozen and it's $1.48 ea:

http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/...saw/SDD2-316CS