Struggling with my new press :(

Lotti · May 03, 2011, 10:34:40 AM

I had been using a SSL press which I had 'borrowed' and then bought myself a (lovely) lentil press, but didn't get the SS one. I had been making fairly decent lentils with the SS one but now my lentils seem to have 'shoulders' and I am not sure why and whether it would be better to sell my current press and get a SS one instead? Any suggestions on what might be going wrong. Haven't got time to post piccies at teh mo as have to go to work

but will try to later.

awrylemming · May 03, 2011, 10:40:23 AM

I'd persevere for a while if I were you - but if you want to swap for an ssl I have one I want to change for a 'normal' lentil. Still, it's worth mastering the one you have if you can

MadelineBunyan · May 03, 2011, 10:42:37 AM

I'm told the ss are easier to use, I couldn't get on with my non ss lentil one, so I sold it...not much help I know, but just so you know its not just you! though as Sue says, its worth persevering, just use cheap plain glass until you 'get it'

I keep thinking I might get a ss lentil sometime.

I personally don't like the little 'mouths' you often get at the bead holes on a lentil, or bitey ends, that's just not good enough.
some people do seem to be able to use them well though...I'm just not one of them!

Kalorlo · May 03, 2011, 11:33:04 AM

Non-SSL lentils do get shoulders or indentations or whatever you call them quite easily. Especially if you don't quite hit the exact amount of glass at the ends. You can do what Anouk does and add glass end caps to the lentil after you finish pressing it, which is a nice effect. You can also nudge them straighter with a marver or flat tool of some kind if they're not too big.

I don't mind the bumps for making jewellery - you can put seed beads or small crystals in them to stabilise it.

Krysia@No98 · May 03, 2011, 12:21:43 PM

Remember you can always take glass off the beads.

I know this isn't the quick answer but lots and lots of practise and put little bits of glass on at at time, while remembering to keep the whole thing warm!! (I keep forgetting that with my new press and that's caused more then a bit of swearing

)

Madam Steph · May 03, 2011, 12:27:56 PM

What is 'SS/ non-ss' please?

I'm in the market for a lentil press, so it may be handy to know

Sulis (Hazel) · May 03, 2011, 12:44:30 PM

SS is Straight Sided. Non SS is traditional lentil shape - or as my delightful daughter calls them, Minstrel shapes.

xx

Madam Steph · May 03, 2011, 01:00:41 PM

Quote from: Sulis on May 03, 2011, 12:44:30 PM
SS is Straight Sided. Non SS is traditional lentil shape - or as my delightful daughter calls them, Minstrel shapes.

xx

Thanks, Sulis x

helbels · May 03, 2011, 02:15:29 PM

Yep, it's definitely not you. I'm not great friends with my normal lentil press either. Much prefer the SS.

MadelineBunyan · May 03, 2011, 03:32:09 PM

mmm...minstrels!

congrats on the artfire daily email feature Helen (yesterday I think?) wonder how many people saw your beads?

Lotti · May 03, 2011, 05:57:11 PM

Hungry now! Wierd that they should be different, with the SS the 'mouths' were really rather good (if i say so myself) but definately odd with the non SS. Plan to get back at the torch on Saturday and will play with my clear 004 (as I have alot of it) and see if I can (

) crack it. I can't believe I made the mistake when I ordered, must have been having a funny moment! Thanks for all your help and advice lovely people.