Frit-Happens !

Hello all!

I've been boring all and sundry with my constant chatter about lampworking and finally someone has taken notice! I have a friend who has all the equipment to start making bead presses and is willing to give it a shot provided there's enough interest. (There may even be scope to design new press shapes).

Basically, what I'm trying to establish is:
-Is there enough interest?
-What do people want from their presses (size, shape, etc)?
-What is a reasonable price range?
-Anything else?

I don't know of any current suppliers in the UK and thought this would be an opportunity to banish customs charges, provided we can get exactly what we want.

Please post your thoughts on the subject as any input would be extremely useful. (I've never used a press so basically, it's all you until I can have a go!!)  ;D ::) ;D

Thanks guys!

Good on ya birdie!!!

hey, i'd be very interested in buying some from a UK supplier!

That would be great.

I guess reasonable price range would be along the lines of what we'd pay from other suppliers (US$ to £ conversion otherwise it wouldn't be very competitive unless your friends was doing shapes we couldn't get elsewhere).

What sort of numbers would your friend need to find it lucrative enough?

In terms of shape and size, I don't yet have any presses but the trio's appeal, and shapes like the pillow, egg, lentil, diamond.... shapes that would make great earrings, pendants (so maybe also some focal size presses), necklaces and bracelets.

Custom made presses could appeal too.

What would be nice are presses with 2 or 3 different shapes rather than the same shape in different sizes

Quote from: *Nicky* on April 03, 2007, 06:04:53 PM
What would be nice are presses with 2 or 3 different shapes rather than the same shape in different sizes

Definitely, at a decent size too.  Cattwalk do this as "sample" presses but you get quite a small size of each shape...

i dont know of any uk suppliers it would be great to have some as you allways worry about import charges as they are quite heavy

I love presses, I went for "Depends" as it does LOL
- I don't mind the whole needs a base or doesn't thing as I have both types, so so long as it used the smae style base as the cattwalk's then that wouldn't be a problem.
- I almost always buy the Trio's etc where you have three or more sizes of the same shape in the one press, really handy for making graduated sets etc.
- Price is a big one, it would have to be cheaper than the USA taking into account postage and customs charges.
- I also tend to buy a few at a time, and really like it when they offer discounts for multiple purchases, or the sets of presses like Zoozii's do.
- And finally shapes available matter, as does mandrel size and which way the hole can be run!

Wow! Big response!

Looks like I'm going to have to get my hands on a Cattwalk and a Zoozii press to see how it's done!

I don't mind ordering my own but obviously it would be easier (and cheaper) if I could possibly borrow one. Obviously I'd compensate for lending time. Would anyone be willing to lend me a press for a couple of weeks? What would you want in return? (Could be money or rods or jewellery-making equipment - I have silversmithing tools).

Photos of the bases would also be useful! Thank you!

I've got two bases, and I'm going to be away next week, so I can lend you a couple of presses and a base. A Cattwalk and a Zoozii?

not been making beads for long so haven't got a press.
it's the price that does for me as with having bought everything else recently, the bank account won't allow!
I would love to get one in the neart future though!

Ooh, thanks Mary. I'll send you a PM.

I want a masher.  I can't stand the thought of paying a fortune for some barbeque tongs and the mashing tongs I have just don't press evenly.  Coonvalley does a mashing press with different sized spacers for different thicknesses that I covet. 

I also fancy a Val Cox style marver. 

Quote from: beadysam on April 04, 2007, 03:39:28 PM

I also fancy a Val Cox style marver. 

i want one of those too

I'll look into it!  ;D

I really didn't expect this much reaction this fast but I'm so glad because now I have to actually get off my butt and get going on this - quickly!

I won't even dare ask who'd like to test out the prototypes!!

 ;D ;D  ME!! ME!! ME!! ME!! ME!!   ;D ;D

Quote from: Bee on April 04, 2007, 04:42:10 PM
I'll look into it!  ;D

I really didn't expect this much reaction this fast but I'm so glad because now I have to actually get off my butt and get going on this - quickly!

I won't even dare ask who'd like to test out the prototypes!!

oooooooooooh you tease, you know we'd all be in line :D

Not making beads at the moment but thought I would add my two penneth!  To have the opportunity to buy British would do it for me every time especially if the price is in line (as much as possible) with international pricing. 

Needless to say I would be delighted to test a press!

I'm not wonderful with presses but I'm happy to try something simple!

Some texturisers would be ace - like cattwalk ruffler and spiral ones...

I am so after a spiral one :-)

good call Claire
Spiral all the way

Rufflers are ace if you like doing seaside beads, ruffle a silvered ivory bead and it looks like a sea urchin!

I would definatly be interested in British bought presses. Also my OH is contantly going on about them so no doubt he would be also.

Right-o.

We're having a meeting and prototyping session on Saturday...

I'm also looking into brass suppliers for costs so I should have a rough idea in a few days.

I'll let you all know how it goes. Wish us luck!  :D

Best of luck  ;) ;D ;D

oooooooooooooo, how exciting

Well... After 6 hours in the workshop we've got half a prototype and I'm very excited!!

I think you're all in for a pleasant surprise! Obviously it's not finished yet so I've not tested it but I'm jumping up and down at the thought of it...

One question:

Does the press part have to be brass? If so, why?

We just thought that aluminum would be lighter and could handle the temperature but didn't know if there was a specific reason for using brass... (Plus, aluminum would be cheaper!) The other option was stainless steel.

How do you have 1/2 a prototype? ???

it's to do with the melting point of the metal...

technically molton glass is hotter than the melting point of alluminium, but because alluminium wicks the heat away so quickly it tends not to melt.  could mean the base could get very hot and distort and will have to be used on a heat resistant surface and be careful with fingers

would stainless steel have the same the same problem as mandrels in that when the hot glass hits it, it sticks?

I think it's brass for a reason

What about graphite?

graphite would work, you get all sorts of marvers made from graphite... as I've found out to my cost if you drop graphite it does bread/chip

sorry not trying to be awkward

just dug out some info from inspiration toolworks who sell an alluminum optic mold

Optic Mold Safety:
-The mold will get very hot with use. Don't try to move it or touch it with your hand for 30 minutes or so after use.
-Be careful pushing the glass into the mold. Don't use excessive force or your hand may slip and touch the hot mold or the glass break and cut or impale your hand.
- If your glass gets stuck in the mold DO NOT wiggle, yank or attempt to pull the mold off. Wait a few more seconds for the glass to cool and shrink some more and then lift gently.
- If the glass simply will not come out, leave it, and remove it after it has fully cooled by turning the mold upside down and carefully pushing the glass out from the bottom.
- This mold is for lampworking or flameworking only, not fusing. It will melt in a kiln.

Thanks for the explanation about metals.

I think graphite is too fragile upon impact. ie. if you dropped it then it would crack. I may be wrong, though...

Half a prototype in that it's a bit different to what you're used to. It makes it cheaper to make certain bits and therefore saves you lot money. Even the initial outlay should be less than what you can already get. I think it's a pretty nifty idea but we need to make another part before I can use it to test...

I'm not saying any more!! :-P

Sounds exciting!

sounds intriguing!

Ohh sounds interesting.

I'm new to lampworking but would definately be interested in presses - especially round buttons and lentils to start with.

What about large round mandrels ...............(Always want that little bit more!)

I got stung by customs so often that I could have bought at least another 3 presses for the money!
I'd be interested in all different kinds of presses but would like the multi shape presses as well as the multi size presses and of course all the other lampwork tools we can't get here.
At the moment, I'm waiting for another tool from the US, it's been four weeks now and I know exactly, that I will have to fork out again next week.

2 months ago I had to pay a £22 custome charge for a tool that worth $39. I would be happy as Larry, if you'd find a way Little Bee!  ;)

Quote from: ABCreations on April 13, 2007, 09:58:44 PM
I got stung by customs so often that I could have bought at least another 3 presses for the money!
I'd be interested in all different kinds of presses but would like the multi shape presses as well as the multi size presses and of course all the other lampwork tools we can't get here.
At the moment, I'm waiting for another tool from the US, it's been four weeks now and I know exactly, that I will have to fork out again next week.

2 months ago I had to pay a £22 custome charge for a tool that worth $39. I would be happy as Larry, if you'd find a way Little Bee!  ;)

What was the VAT & duty amount your paid ? Was it just "admin charges" that made it that much ?

Just been to collect my latest press and paid £11.57 for a press that cost $40!  I'd love not to have to pay that extra.

Mari

The PO fee has just gone up from £4 to £8!  :o I got a shock when I collected my press this morning!

i noticed that today, when picking up a package from th P/O, i hope my one from the US makes it through

*has all her fingers crossed*

yeah i got my press this morning, good old postman didnt see the charge sticker, but it was over £11 for a $40 press
its getting a bit annoying now

i bought a press last night, i hope it makes it through customs ok

Hello all,

I've just put this somewhere else, but I thought I'd put it here as well.

Ebay seller smji65 (can't do the link thing, I just searched bead press and they came up) has large and extra large lentil presses for about $51.00, including shipping.  Cheaper than Soozies or Cattwalk so I thought the saving would go some way to pay the charges if it gets caught.  Feedback looks good so it may be worth a punt.

Jeanette
 

Righty-ho.

I'm waiting for some pictures of what the presses will look like to be emailed to me. (They look amazing!)

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...

Please feel free to ask technical questions once the piccies are up as my friend (FVF) is going to sign up and will keep an eye on this topic to answer any queries you'll no doubt have!

;D

(I can't wait to have a play with the final prototype - I'm like a little kid every time I see him!)

Hello!

Ok it seems that I have a lot to live up to so far  :-\ :)

I am the one who has taken this project on so I hope I can produce something thats going to be of some use to you guys. I have been talking to Bee about this for the last couple of days and i figured if I came on here I would be able to explain how this press should work in my eyes and if I am totally off the mark then you can tell me and we can alter it until its just whats required. I have all the facilities to produce this and from talking to Bee alot more that may be of use to you saving you shipping from stateside as I know through my work how much of a pain that can be so I totally sympathise!!

Ok enough of the rambling from me let me explain a bit about this press. The general design we came up with was to offer you more flexibility in creating shapes. Bee showed me two of the existing presses so far and to be honest I was amazed at the sheer size of some of the pieces of brass and the weight which is obviously why you guys end up paying so much to ship them over or at least one of the costs. So what we have come up with is a press which includes the base and handle all in one you only ever need one of these bases as they are going to hold what we have been referring to as coins. These coins will be made from brass to overcome the sticking issue as described above however the actual base will be made from aluminium and the handle undecided as yet to what its made of but thats here nor there. The coins will be available with not only one design on them but two per coin as if you remove the coin in that picture for example there would be another pattern on the reverse which will allow for the sets like you have on some of the larger presses. We have alot to think about as to how we are going to do the coins in terms of the possibility of sets of coins for the different sets but you obviously will be able to buy individual coin sets as well which means that will keep the cost down for you as you only have to buy this base once and then just order the coins to fit it, so less material to ship equals less cost parts wise and also weight in the postal service. We have to work out some costings once we have made a couple of prototypes but suffice to say we will make them as competitive as we can to the existing presses as for me this is not about a money making scheme its about providing a quality product as with all my work :)

(http://www.fvfdrums.co.uk/beadpress.jpg)

OK so heres how it would work on the most basic level. The base will come with a top and bottom each section has the guide rods in them and the coins have cut outs which will fit to the rods to align them and guarantee a perfect press each time. There will be a small screw in the side which will go into a hole in the side of the coin (an Allen key will be suppled with presses) to lock the coin in place so they cannot just fall out. then you just go ahead and use it as a press as you normally would.

(http://www.fvfdrums.co.uk/beadpressopen.jpg)

Say you wanted another design you just unscrew the set screw a couple of turns, tip the coin out and turn it over or insert a different design! simple as that.

In terms of size we are currently working on a press with a diameter of 62.5mm or 2.5" we might be able to in the future produce a larger press size if there is the need but thats something to come. Also the possibility of individual custom coins is also on the cards again this is something we will need to work out as i have to be able to program the designs ;) but on the face of it I can do it. Bee has shown me alot of different shapes you make and there are some that will be tough to produce due to the type of machine but then again I am game for a challenge so I will make it work, however as the machine i use is not that same as the ones that make the existing presses I will be able to make some shapes that have not been done before so keep and eye out for that.

Now the reason for posting these images is to get some feedback as the more we have the better we can make this product for you the end user so feel free to let us know what you really think of the concept so far ?

I hope thats not bored you all to tear and I look forward to working on this further

Cheers

Francis

FVF Custom Drums
www.fvfdrums.co.uk

Looks promising! One comment, though. The trios are good because if you misjudge the quantity of glass you can move up or down a size, or press a smaller one then add another layer and press in a bigger size. That would be hard if you had to swap out hot coins mid-bead.

Mary,

Thanks for that point noted

Cheers

Francis

the above design would be perfect for focal presses but as Mary said not too good for trio's, personally i tend to buy more trio presses than focals

I prefer the trios for some of the more challenging shapes.... like Mary said, you can change your plan of action if you misjudge the amount of glass on the mandrel then...

Single lentils will always be good investments though, I reckon... it's the first press most newbies seem to go for....I know I did :)

Les xx

Me too Les!  I also prefer trios, they always seem like much better value and I am not a good judge of glass amounts so my beads tend to move around the 3 sizes LOL!  Could you join 3 together with one handle in the middle?  So that it looks like a fat catterpillar from above?

I love the idea of interchangeable coins though.   When you are further down the line with this project, you'll have to design some sort of holder for the disks too to keep them together.

I am sure we could attach 3 but it would get pretty large unless we reduced the overall size of them I suppose we coul do maybe a single press for other designs and then a trio press which would incorporate the different sized pieces but still using the coin ideas.

Let me have a think

Thanks for the feedback so far

Cheers

Francis

sorry just though of another question, would they nessecarily all have to be in a straight line? so long as you could put a mandrel through it could they be grouped closer together like three circles in a triangle each with a mandrel hole so you still have the three shapes just ont in a line ? does that make any sense ? :-\

Francis

Can't see any issues with that arrangement, Francis!

Ok,

I have had a play about with the exsisting model so excuse any mis aligned holes that look like they dont work!! however if this is feasible I will re draw it all so its a working model but what you have got is essentially three of these presses close together with the three coins in them. So this way you can use it like your trios. I can align the mandrel holes so they are clear of each of the individual presses but the guide pins will be set so which ever one you use it will align to all three at the same time.

(http://www.fvfdrums.co.uk/trioclose.jpg)



(http://www.fvfdrums.co.uk/trioopen.jpg)

Let me know what you think to it? we can do it in a line like the caterpillar suggestion though I though 1 this will be stronger and also will be more compact?

Cheers

Francis

Looks very interesting indeed Francis....I think that as long as the mandrel holes run free of one another, it should be ok.
The only issue for me would be the distribution of pressure as you press down.... but maybe that's just because I'm not used to that sort of arrangement... I'm sure it would probably work just great... it just looks so very different to me...

I can't wait to see what develops here...... Keep up the brilliant work Francis.. I'm sure you're onto a winner here !!

Les xx

Les,

Thanks, the distribution of pressure I dont think would be an issue so long as I can make sure the three sections are all well fixed together. The unit looks alot larger than it actually is on the screen so I think that kind of makes it seem like it would be harder to apply a uniform pressure over the entire area. However if this is a viable option then I am happy to take this forward as well as the singles?

Cheers

Francis

looks good to me Francis :)

Lookin' gooood! ;D

oh wow, you've been busy, it's looking like a good and interesting idea ;D

that looks really good francis, i especially like the trio idea.

:)

:)

Glad its the kind of thing people think might work :D

Ok so I think what I will do is make up a prototype this week of the single press to start with just the check the principles of the coins and see how that fairs. If that works ok then we can develop this trio idea from there as that will take a little bit more work but not too much.

Keep the ideas coming though as i say the more I have to play with the better I can make this.

There has already been some ideas put into the storage of the coins so thats a definate possibility :)

Cheers

Francis

Ohh I lost this thread for a bit!!  Really interested in seeing how this pans out. As a newbie I am still playing around - but it won't be long before I'm ready for a press, and if the price is right - then I'll be up for buying one!

Trudi

I don't know how I missed the pictures before!!!  Looking goooooooood  :)

What a genius Francis..what a mind... ;D

Has there been any furhter progress on this one??

T

I'd like to give my 2 cents' worth of thought, if I may here. I started buying from Cattwalk about the time Corina Tettinger started marketing them over her website, the 1st press I ever owned were the 3-size lentil press. Then I really got the itch and bought more presses. Presently I own 27 presses from Cattwalk's 'standard presses' and another 5 custom-made presses (she made the presses according to my specs). There are even some presses which I have not used up till today!

Anyway, I wish to point out to Francis - I do not mean to crush your ideas and hopes but want to point out something - you need to go further than making similar presses that are already available in the market. There are too many suppliers these days offering the same items and you'd kill your bizz after a while as you may be forced to lower your prices to stay competitive. Personally I doubt it's enough to sell within UK to cover your costs and overheads, you do not have that many lampworkers as in the US. Also, Cattwalk and Zoozii have been selling for the past 4 years and they have a huge headstart. Unlike glass rods which need to be replenished all the time, you don't need to replenish a press in the same way. Also, there is a German manufacturer making presses here too, but he doesn't have enough buyers so it isn't cost effective enough for him to produce at  a reasonable price. He also uses brass.

If you really would like to produce presses for the European market, may I suggest you come up with new products which are not available anywhere yet. Also, the low US$ is an advantage in purchasing from the US these days, despite the fact you may have to pay customs and import duty.

Dora, excellent points.  That's my fear about anyone setting up afresh - not enough business to be competitive and I would think with set-up and tooling costs, the basic items wouldn't be much cheaper than buying from the States - as much as I'd like to buy here!



Bev :)

Thanks for the concerns guys. I'll make sure Francis has a look at this.

Our aim was to try to make these at a lot less cost than is currently available and we have some new ideas in the notepad but until we get the prototypes made and do the costings we won't know for certain...

Hiya all,

Sorry for the delays in even getting the prototypes done but we're struggling to get brass due to a shortage. Expecting it soon, though!

Interesting topic!  Any news yet?

I'd love to know if there is any news on this topic too please. I don't have any presses yet and cost has been a bit prohibitive, but I would certainly be interested next payday. I would dearly love a lentil press for reasonable size focal as my first one...fingers crossed  :-\

Quote from: Sulis on June 02, 2007, 10:31:50 PM
I'd love to know if there is any news on this topic too please. I don't have any presses yet and cost has been a bit prohibitive, but I would certainly be interested next payday. I would dearly love a lentil press for reasonable size focal as my first one...fingers crossed  :-\

Me too! :)

Me 3

me 4 5 and 6.....I've been at the choclit again....

Chuck some this way.  I'm trying to stop myself eating the girls chocolate buttons..  ;D

Oh boy - I'm about to raid the freezer with Cookies & cream Ice-Cream Lolly!

...now a nice size lentil press, to produce beads about the size of a Cadbury's Giant chocolate button.... that would be something - just a little thicker than a button ofcourse!!

;)

But eh......... no news on the presses yet???

I need presses! ;D

Yes, I want a 1 inch straight sided (spree) lentil press....

Hope to hear an update soon  ;)

OOOoohhh... me too Billie :D

Quote from: LittleBee on June 05, 2007, 03:38:06 PM
Yes, I want a 1 inch straight sided (spree) lentil press....

Hope to hear an update soon  ;)

Quote from: Les on June 05, 2007, 03:56:47 PM
OOOoohhh... me too Billie :D

Right, that's an order for at least two of them then  ;D ;D

And me!

Mari

Hi

is there any news on this???