Silver tubing size problem for coring

beetslive · #1 2008-01-11, 4:21pm

Hi everyone,
Hopefully someone can help with my problem. I recently purchased a Jim Moore silver core bead liner tool so I'm new at this. I purchased silver tubing from Rio Grande in 3/8" (.375 od) & 1/2" (.50 OD). I made some beads with those same size mandrels(3/8" & 1/2") & after cleaning the beads the tubing is way too loose. They are not even cose to the right size. I only dip my mandrels once so it wasn't too thick. I also purchase 1/4" & smaller & those sizes fit fine. Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone have an suggestions? Thanks for your help in advance.
Debbie

rverk47 · #2 2008-01-12, 12:59pm

i just got my liner tool from jerry at retro glass tools..he gave me part #'s for ss tubing at metaliferous..someone in another LWE thread said that the following orders #'s from rio grand would match the sizes..
3/32 = order # 100-955
5/32 = order # 100-905
1/4 = order # 100-907/14
1/2 = order # 100-907/12

i haven't tried these sizes yet so i can't tell you if they work, hope this helps..if you want go to metalliferous.com and check out their tubing, i'm waiting for an order from them but some of the sizes are back ordered..let me know if you want the part numbers..

beetslive · #3 2008-01-12, 1:55pm

Thanks Renee. I did get my 1/2" tubing from Rio & it's too small. By the time I cleaned the bead release out of the bead it was way to big a hole for the 1/2" tubing. I know cleaning takes out some of the bead but it's way too big.I've seen other people use these sizes & I was wondering how they got around this problem.Thanks,Debbie

wolfotter · #4 2008-01-12, 5:09pm

Debbie I use 1/2" mandrel with 1/2" tubing with no problem at all. Maybe your bead release is extra thick. I have never had this problem................

beetslive · #5 2008-01-13, 9:27am

Thanks Andrea. I think I cleaned out the beads toooo much & made the hole bigger. Next beads I'll be careful not to clean too much & see how that goes. Thanks again for your advice everyone.
Debbie

earthandsky · #6 2008-01-13, 10:48am

If there's a possibility the bead release was too thick on the mandrel --
When dipping mandrels, pulling the mandrel out of the release more slowly will leave a thinner coat.

I got a Jim Moore bead liner for Yule. Aren't they cool??

(Now I just need to get to making some beads!!)