Hole orientation...going the wrong way

[awrylemming]

I saw a press for this shape once, with the hole where you want it, but I have no idea where    Sorry.  But it may be worth looking?

http://www.zooziis.com/bi-conequad.aspx

Thanks Shahlaa, you never let me down 

[Pat from Canvey]

The other alternative would be to make the bead off mandrel, decorate and then make the hole wherever you wanted it using Peters tweezers. The final step would be to hold the bead at the hole end with tweezers and melt off the holding rod used to make the base of the bead.

[Lakelady]

Thanks Pat, I thought about that - don't have Peters tweezers.  I might get the press.  It would be easier for me at this stage - and then I could put it up for a swap around, I am sure a few people might like to try it out and I would like to try other shapes!

[fionaess]

Strikes me as a bit ambitious

I think you have hit the nail on the head Kaz 

[Pat from Canvey]

On second thought, what about making the bead as normal, annealing and cleaning the bead. Re-introduce to a cold kiln and heat up to 520C. Use a punty to take out and cover the bead hole top and bottom with glass of a toning colour.  Make a loop at one end so that the bicone will hang vertically. Would that suit. It would save the cost of a new press.

[Pat from Canvey]

Here's a very quick off mandrel bicone with a loop at the top.
I just grabbed the nearest bits of ends of glass.

[Lakelady]

It sounds like it will be easier to make an off mandrel shape then drill a hole - a loop doesn't fit in with the design of the piece of jewellery unfortunately....but because I don't want to compromise the pattern and the other (round) beads are to match, I am worried about this approach.  It might be worth getting the press in the long run as it's a really elegant design overall.  But there are plenty of ideas there to try for other bits and bobs!