Skeleton Keys and Lampwork Beads

[animagusbc]

Hi there.

I was wondering how you make the bead around at skeleton key. Is there special tool you need in order to turn the key if it is too short.

Sorry if this is a silly question but my friend who is a collector gave me some keys to do some lampwork on. I tested them all and they all adhere to the magnet. I believe this is what it's supposed to do

Thanks for any tips anyone has to offer.

[Kevan]

I punty a rod onto the pointed end of the key. Some people use pliers, but I don't find that easy to turn at all.

[ROC]

I found an alligator clip thingy on a telescoping rod at Northern Hardware that works for me. If the key has a hole in the end, you can stick a mandrel dipped in bead release in it and it should hold.

[VictorZulu]

JelvehDesigns sell a key mandrel on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40872083...ns-key-mandrel

[PiP]

This is actually my first post so I hope that I'm doing this right.

To flamework my keys I use a 1/8 mandrel with 2 small metal spring clamps. One on each side to balance it. The clamps get in the way for marvering but it works. The clamps come right off using my sons welding gloves and into the blanket it goes to be batch annealed later. The clamps are .25 each if that.

I do like the look of the key mandrel that JelvehDesigns has. I have a friend of mine working on a mandrel for me, I'm not sure what he'll come up with.

[animagusbc]

Thanks for everybody's help here as it's much appreciated.

[uniqueglasscreations]

Hi this is my first post I hope this helps.. i have recently started lamp working and want to use keys so Im using meat skewers attaching the key with a nut and bolt with washers to hold the key in place.

Hope that hepls

Kat

https://www.facebook.com/KatUniqueGlassCreations

[artsyuno]

Here's an easy way to make a skeleton key mandrel.

http://lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234487