I've only been lampworking since Sept, but I've got a nifty trick to help get your beads off mandrels. I tried it with a stubborn bead, and now use it all the time:
I hold the mandrel with a pliers in one hand, while I twist the bead off with the other hand using one of those rubber mats you use for getting off jam jar lids. I haven't bent a mandrel yet :)
I hope this is useful to someone!
Rachel
I use pliers on the mandrel and a damp cloth to grip the bead, but the jam jar thing sounds like a better idea. Do you mean something like this? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121373819535
Hi,
I Also use the jamjar lid removed and a pair of pliers, I also dip the mandrel and bead in some water to keep the dust under control
James.