Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Lampworking Tip n Tricks => Topic started by: ShinySnail on August 12, 2010, 10:59:35 AM

Title: Making round beads
Post by: ShinySnail on August 12, 2010, 10:59:35 AM

Hi,
I'm thinking about getting a bead press for making spheres.
I have a doming block, and have managed to get some nice shaped beads with it and now I'm wondering if a press is really what I need or if I just need to get one of those marble marvers that have the mandrel groves in (not sure what it's called!)

Please could I have some advice on what would be best to go for?
I'm finding using the doming block a bit hit and miss, and have tried using a pillow press before and found that really easy in comparison but obv they are different shapes...


Many thanks,
Anna
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Helen G on August 12, 2010, 11:09:07 AM
I have a marble press for beads and only ever use one half. For ages I struggled trying to press the beads and they would never come out nice and smooth and round. T he lovely Lorna Prime showed me how to get the best out of it by just using it as a marver and that's what I do now. PM me if you're interested in buying the bottom half of the press from me as i never use it  ;)
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Trudi on August 12, 2010, 11:10:00 AM
I love the marver that Maria Louisa sells -

http://www.beadpress.nl/stempelwinkel/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=270

you just need to ask her to include the grroves! The handle also un-screws so you can sit it on your bench or torch top marver!!

I love mine!
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Trudi on August 12, 2010, 11:10:33 AM
Quote from: Helen G on August 12, 2010, 11:09:07 AM
I have a marble press for beads and only ever use one half. For ages I struggled trying to press the beads and they would never come out nice and smooth and round. T he lovely Lorna Prime showed me how to get the best out of it by just using it as a marver and that's what I do now. PM me if you're interested in buying the bottom half of the press from me as i never use it  ;)

Sounds like a plan!
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Kaz on August 12, 2010, 11:12:53 AM
I'd recommend the beadrollers from CG Beads
Here http://cgbeads.com/
and also on etsy
Kazx
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: elburnzo on August 12, 2010, 11:13:43 AM
i use the cg beadroller for rounds, i love it, always get a really good shape, unless i do something stupid of course :P

Snap Kaz just seen your message
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Helen G on August 12, 2010, 12:22:14 PM
Now I've gone and bought beadrollers - thanks Kaz  ;)
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Jolene on August 12, 2010, 12:24:24 PM
CG Bead rollers are abfab. Love mine.
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: dinah46 on August 12, 2010, 01:06:13 PM
Quote from: Jolene on August 12, 2010, 12:24:24 PM
CG Bead rollers are abfab. Love mine.

yep -  beadrollers all the way :D
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Trudi on August 12, 2010, 01:10:24 PM
but the good thing with the marver is that it can go on your torch marver and you don't have to hold it!
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Kaz on August 12, 2010, 01:32:55 PM
You don't  have to hold the CG one if you get the stand - I always use mine in the stand!
Kazx
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: paintboxcrafts on August 12, 2010, 03:22:59 PM
I use my bead roller flat on the table, it's great.
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: SilverGems89 on August 12, 2010, 03:26:24 PM
i just hand shape mine  ;D although i do eventually want to get a marver so i can be a bit more consistent in size!
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: ShinySnail on August 12, 2010, 04:59:08 PM
Thanks everybody for your comments and suggestions - Helen thank you for the kind offer, I think I will go with the paddle on the cg website as it has the Pandora sized groves in too - but thank you anyway (If you saw my Pandora beads you would understand why!)

ohhhh very excited now, come on mr postman!
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: Helen G on August 12, 2010, 06:57:17 PM
Quote from: ShinySnail on August 12, 2010, 04:59:08 PM
Thanks everybody for your comments and suggestions - Helen thank you for the kind offer, I think I will go with the paddle on the cg website as it has the Pandora sized groves in too - but thank you anyway (If you saw my Pandora beads you would understand why!)

ohhhh very excited now, come on mr postman!

I can quite understand, these bead rollers look fab and can't wait for the 2 I ordered either  ;D
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: jobead on August 12, 2010, 08:46:35 PM
The CG Bead Roller, where might one obtain this mystical beast ??

Ooops I've gone all Lord of The Rings

:)
Jo
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: paintboxcrafts on August 12, 2010, 08:51:22 PM
I get mine from Christina at Frit n Glas
http://www.fritenglas.eu/shop/index.php?main_page=index&language=en&zenid=73e60754b3dadb96bdb074ff8c78a48a

No import duty to pay.

Cathy
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: cgbeads on August 12, 2010, 09:19:51 PM
Hello everyone,

A little birdie told me I was being talked about, thought I'd see what was being said.  Thankfully it wasn't bad.   ;D

Yes, you can get the tools from me or Christina.  I also did a few demo video's on how to use them and have a page on my website with some tips.  And I'm happy to answer any questions or help in any way.  donna@cgbeads.com

Just remember when using my, or any other cavity tool, it's nothing more than a flat marver with the curve built in, so roll your bead gently.

http://cgbeads.com/beads_videos.html
http://cgbeads.com/tut.html

-Donna
cgbeads
Title: Re: Making round beads
Post by: SueP on August 12, 2010, 11:16:13 PM
I've just bought 2 bead rollers from Donna - fantastic service and lovely tools - so easy to use - going back for more soon  ;D ;D