Mandrels –
Tips from our Members
This month our tips and tricks are from our members via our Facebook group. On a post about mandrels, so many individuals replied that it is nearly Impossible to credit everyone, so members please check out the original post.
So here is a synopsis of those great ideas:
The overall consensus seems to be buying stainless steel TIG rods from your favorite welding supplier. They are available in a variety of diameters and you can cut them to your preferred length. There is a tabbed end that can be cut off, or if left on it can be painted using high-temperature spray paint. The paint can be a reminder not to dip that end in release. It’s also a great personal marking method if you take mandrels to a class or group event! Carol Routh does something similar, but uses nail polish ~ and also uses it to mark her expesive glass with a drop on one end so she doesn’t use it in error!
Lots of suggestions for cutting the rods included:
– the Midwest P6300 cutter is recommended by both Corina Tettinger and Marcy Lamberson
– small bolt cutters or a Dremel with a cutoff disk work for Greg Duncan
– fencing pliers are what Leslie Anne Knowles Bitgood uses “ ‘cause that is what we have!”
Storage ideas included a bucket of coarse sand, as well as a holder with drilled holes and stepped height from Arrow Springs. While it appears the Arrow Springs holder is no longer available, if enough people ask Craig to make them again, maybe he will 🙂 It might not be too difficult to design your own!
I know we’ve all bent mandrels and experienced the frustration of discovering that after you’ve started making
a bead (usually the most perfect one or your most expensive glass, am I right?) Janie Jones says to roll the rods on a table to see if they’re bent BEFORE dipping in release.
You can straighten them in a table vice as Sharon Peters does. Some people cut off the bent part (which is easy if they are 12 inches or longer), or use the other end.
They make great plant stakes with cute bees, bugs or flowers if they’re beyond saving… far better than going into the landfill!
And last but not least, Alexx Cheng jokes “I steal them from my friends’ studios”!!! Well, we all have our eyes on you now Alexx 😘
Do you have a tip you think might help others? Send it to: Tips@theglassdragons.com Happy torching!