using thinner mandrels

[jammie]

I got some 1.6 mandrels to make some smaller holed smaller size beads and was surprised to find I really like using them. Without thinking I made 2 lentils as well, a smallish and medium one, 15 ans 18mm I think and have stuck them in the kiln. I am wondering will  they ne more likely to crack on this size mandrel because they seem thinner,  or  would they be ok because the thickness is only determined by the thickness of the press. Maybe this is a daft question but cant seem to get my head around it. 

[Trudi]

No - they should be fine!!

I also have 2mm mandrels that I like to use for heavier beads - just so I don't bend 'em! 

[Dragonfire Glass]

the determining factor is usually the amount of glass on the mandrel line - the thinner the more likely to crack, so the thinner the mandrel the thicker the glass the less likely to crack - if that makes sense  

[jammie]

Thankyou thats good to know as i seem to be doing with thinner mandrels

[Mand]

I mostly use 1.6mm mandrels, because I like the smaller hole in the bead for jewellery making.   The only thing is that I do find I'm a bit brutal with them when it comes to removing the beads, so they do get a bit bendy - as Vicki will testify!    I try to soak the fired beads on mandrels for as long as possible in soapy water which seems to help a bit and use DH's mole grips to hold tehmandrels whilst I take the beads off.  (Sorry if I'm teaching yo to suck eggs )

[jammie]

I had been told they bent very easily and I was trying to be very careful taking the beads off and so far so good i find i like using them for the lentils and smaller beads always good to hear other folks methods i have learned so much on here i never feel like an egg sucker

[flaming beads]

I use a lot of 1.6 and also find that some of them start to look like Uri Geller's been messin' with them.....then i use them from the other end until they're no good

[afina]

I use a lot of 1.6 and also find that some of them start to look like Uri Geller's been messin' with them.....then i use them from the other end until they're no good

And if both ends are bent I cut them off and use the shorts to pull stringers and twisties with...

[Mand]

Now that's smart recycling!

[flaming beads]

And if both ends are bent I cut them off and use the shorts to pull stringers and twisties with...

Now that's a brilliant idea!!

[AnnaSpanna]

I regularly use 1.6mm mandrels and I use the molegrip techinque too for removing the beads. I have found that to minimise the chances of bending your mandrel then put your molegrips/pliers as close as you can to the bead and twist the bead off, thus negating any excess movement in the mandrel. If I do bend them and they aren't too bad then I'll straighten them and then use the other end for future mandrel use. If its really chronic then they become bead kebabs for when I batch anneal. Also I have found that if you are using a press and your mandrel is too hot below the bead then it also has the propensity to bend. They do straighten ok and can be used for test beads and spacers etc - but then I guess it depends on how fussy you are about these sorts of things!