Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Lampworking Tip n Tricks => Topic started by: flowerjasper on January 25, 2009, 07:49:57 PM

Title: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: flowerjasper on January 25, 2009, 07:49:57 PM
i had a look at the wiki but couldnt find any info on getting rid of that annoying bit of bead release in the middle of hollow beads.
i made my first hollow today, not pefect  but i love the way the light shines through the trans tourqoise glass, as i took it off the mandrel the bead release fell into the middle and is now rattling around, i am soaking it at the moment, any other  ways of getting rid of it?
sandy
Title: Re: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: Dragonfire Glass on January 25, 2009, 07:50:40 PM
Poke it out with a needle  :)
Title: Re: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: sublimekate on January 25, 2009, 07:54:52 PM
Pretty much poke it, soak it, poke it, soak it.......repeat and so on  ;D

And blow through it when full of water like blowing an egg :D

I'd also like to know any better tips......

K xx
Title: Re: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: flowerjasper on January 25, 2009, 07:58:28 PM
been blowing and poking  ::)
there is certainly less now  ;)  thought i was missing something obvious
Title: Re: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: sparrow on January 25, 2009, 08:01:27 PM
Have a look here: http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9131.0  :) Just elbow grease, I guess!
Title: Re: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: flowerjasper on January 25, 2009, 08:13:25 PM
thanks sabine,
so i will try a bigger mandrel.. dont have a dish washer  >:(
i have hundreds of syringes (at work!)
i must say my first hollow is nearly clear now  so i think ppp works !
sandy
Title: Re: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: Wishing Wells Glass on January 25, 2009, 08:53:24 PM
I use 2.4mm mandrels and I put the beads in a dish of water and clean the holes as normal.  Then I fill them halfway with water and put my fingers over both holes and shake the heck out of 'em!  This seems to get the bead release to break up and dissolve into the water better.  I also do the poke method too.  Fill the bead up with a bit of water and let it slowly drain out of one hole vertically.  The bead release should then be right above the bottom hole.  Then I just poke through the top.  I hope that makes sense.. it's hard to explain! lol :)

x
Title: Re: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: flowerjasper on January 25, 2009, 09:36:27 PM
just made another using filigiana,  ;D
think next time i will use a 2.4mm mandrel for two reasons, 1. the bead release comes out easier. 2.if i make it flat enough i can use it in a ring from georges tut!
Title: Re: getting bead release out of hollow beads
Post by: Wishing Wells Glass on January 25, 2009, 10:04:32 PM
Ooooh.. that's a GOOOOD reason!! 

x