Any tips on putting beads into a Bead Cube?

[SallyB]

hello

I feel like this is a silly question but am going to risk asking it anyway.  I've got my new bead cube on for the first time and wondered if there is an easier way to put the beads in.  I am doing a batch anneal and have them all on the tile provided but found it a bit tricky putting them on the tile.  Some rolled onto the floor of the kiln and I generally found it took a while to get them in. 

It's very likely I've missed something obvious and am making it trickier than it should be.

Thank you
Sally
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[bluefairy]

I think some people put them in pyrex dishes 

[sarah t]

when i batch anneal in the cube i usually make a beady kebab with lots of beads on a mandrel and then rest the mandrel on the small brick thing or on the rest if you have one

others use a small pyrex dish i think ..

dont clean the beads untill after they have been annealed

HTH ...happy beading
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[SallyB]

This is really helpful thank you very much
Sally
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[JaySpangles]

I put mine on mandrels, like kebabs too, but long enough that the kebabs finish about 3 cms shy of the door. If they are too close to the door I think the temperature may be a little cooler due to the mandrel slot. I find by leaving the tile on the floor it is easier to scoop out any that drop on the floor or split. I also have a kiln rack that I got from kilncare which makes it easier to rest your mandrels. I have recently stood my cube on some bricks to make it higher on my workbench. Now I can see inside more easily when I am putting stuff in. Obvious I know, but a distinct improvement.

[SallyB]

Thank you very much for that last tip about raising the kiln.  It is obvious but it's very unlikely I would have thought of it and i can imagine it makes a big difference.  I raised my torch on wood blocks and that made a big difference.  I got the little bead rack for the kiln.  Am going to have a go at garaging this weekend. 
I also need to speak to the insurance company to check if it's covered by our house and contents policy since my shed was broken into a few months ago (nothing they felt worth taking fortunately).  There seemed to be a spate of shed break ins in our area over a few weeks.
Sally
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