Ring Mandrel-Too heavy

[simvet02]

I am either the weakest thing on earth or this ring mandrel is a joke. It must be betwen 5-10lb. Holding and working with it with one hand is just not going to be an option unless I start working out.

Are there ring mandrels that are hollow and if so where can I get one? I just love the look of glass rings.

thanks,

[ArtcoInc]

Originally Posted by simvet02

I am either the weakest thing on earth or this ring mandrel is a joke. It must be betwen 5-10lb. Holding and working with it with one hand is just not going to be an option unless I start working out.

Are there ring mandrels that are hollow and if so where can I get one? I just love the look of glass rings.

thanks,

Are you using a stainless ring sizing mandrel? They are a one-piece, tapered, solid piece of metal. If so, of course they would be heavy!

Have you tried one of the big-hole mandrels?

http://www.artcoinc.com/mandrels.php
(scroll down about half way)

HTH

Malcolm

[simvet02]

Yep Malcom, that's the one I have. I just didn't realize it would be so darn heavy.

I looked at the big hole mandrels but wonder if they are large enough for rings. I calipered my ring finger, not that it's the smallest finger in the world, about a size 7, but the largest one they sell is 3/4" which just ins't quite large enough. I may try a couple just to be sure. I could alway double or triple coat them with bead release.

thanks,

[Tink]

When I want to make a ring in a particular size, I go to this site to figure out what size hollow mandrel I need.

[teachertracey]

That was cool. Didn't know how that was done.

[simvet02]

This is great Tink, according to the conversion a size 7 is just under the 3/4" size. Cool.

Jan

[Tink]

Glad to be of service

[friskebaer]

Geez Tink, you are full of some of the coolest info ever!
Thanks for that link!
Jenny

[Tink]

It's just another Tip and Trick... Happy to share, as always

[simvet02]

I've used that site before for conversions and missed the ring part. Very helpful.

As a side note someone suggested a fulcrum or stand for the heavy mandrel. I may try that too. I hate to waste that big ole' thing. I'm going to end up with one very large fore arm...LOL

[squid]

They sell big mandrels over 1" - I seem to recall seeing a 1-1/2" one.

[tiggybubba]

I have a 2" one

[Henrywashere]

I have a size 8 finger and bought a 3/4 ring mandrel and its too big - it makes a size 9 ring.

[Tink]

Yep. That makes sense. If you're referring to the calculator on the linked site, it says a size 9 ring equals .748", which is essentially .75", which is 3/4". Plus, if you're using bead release, that adds even more width to the diameter.

For a size 8 finger, the diameter is .716". To make a size 8 ring, I would probably try a .688 or .708 tube. The "right" size will depend on the thickness of your bead release, primarily.

[murf]

there is a graphite ring mandrel with a swivel base on the market. I think the down side unlike a metal ring mandrel is there is no size marks on it. http://www.dichroicimagery.com/index...th=431_473_479

its locate about mid way down the page

[ArtcoInc]

I also carry a graphite ring mandrel (soon to be added to my web site). It's from Weaver Industries (the makers of the "The Perfect Tool" system), and it does have marks for the different ring sizes.

I should point out, though, that while the graphite mandrels are fine for sizing a glass ring (typically made off-mandrel), they are not meant to be used to actually *build* the ring.

Malcolm

[murf]

Originally Posted by ArtcoInc

I also carry a graphite ring mandrel (soon to be added to my web site). It's from Weaver Industries (the makers of the "The Perfect Tool" system), and it does have marks for the different ring sizes.

I should point out, though, that while the graphite mandrels are fine for sizing a glass ring (typically made off-mandrel), they are not meant to be used to actually *build* the ring.

Malcolm

i would assume one would build it off mandrel and then use the graphite sizer to slightly stretch and pin the ends to size, then flame polish off of mandrel? I havent tried this but i think the same thing would be done to make a bracelet on a bracelet mandrel whether stainless or graphite.

[simvet02]

Boy, I didn't assume anything of the kind. "Off Mandrel" Trying to picture that. Guess I'm too new to figure that one out. Care to elaborate?

[murf]

sorry it never occurred to me to make them any other way. the big hole mandrels would involve mud right? gulp, i hate mud.
a link to rings made off mandrel, but I think Leah had posted a much better tut on the forum? let me rephrase that, one that might be easier to follow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTlIyWqjQ-0
this it the way I would make rings. size them and be done with them.

[simvet02]

Well as one does lampwork longer and longer I'm sure they can think of all kinds of ways to do these things....LOL I'm fairly new and it never ceases to amaze me. That was a great video, it looks pretty straight forward. Eventually I'll have to try it that way. I don't have a bead kiln right now, I cool in a blanket and then batch anneal and the larger things just aren't possible that way. They tend to be a bit shocky.

No mud huh.....LOL

[murf]

I just saw this posted and its a great tut.http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=60525
I think my assumption of off mandrel is some what false. be it a big hole mandrel, steel mandrel it seems that the way do do is with no mud. I assumed and sorry when i saw big hole mandrel stated that it be similar to making a bead with mud. I do rings like the video and do the final sizing using a steel mandrel. I call that off mandrel work.

[simvet02]

Ya don't have to be sorry. I consider what you do "off mandrel" also. As I'm still trying to master a string that doesn't look like horse hair I doubt that I could get anything that I would want to wear on my finger. Does look fun though.

I'll check out the tut. Tnx.