How do you clean your beads?

GlassOcean · February 16, 2009, 08:21:48 AM

I usually wear a mask, but there is the odd occasion were I think Oh just quickly won't matter! I am going to save up 'after the falme off of course' for a re-chargeable one!

Trudi · February 16, 2009, 10:25:08 AM

here's a battery one

http://shop1.actinicexpress.co.uk/shops/CJBeadworks/index.php?cat=Bead_Reamers

Lush! · February 16, 2009, 10:46:53 AM

Thanks for that link Trudi, I've just ordered 2 of the large replacement bits. Just what I've been looking for!

I invested in the BeaDreamers from the chap in the States a while ago. They cost $30 each and for some reason I thought they'd last forever ... nope, about 6 weeks

Steampunkglass · February 16, 2009, 10:53:56 AM

I used to sit in front of telly and do them by hand, but last time I did that I managed to chip them because I wasn't paying attention! I use an old 'dremel like' drill with a remote variable speed powersupply, so it's only got about 12v going to the drill rather than mains voltage. The power supply is from an old combo drill, not sure they are even made anymore, and the drill I use now I think was from woolworths years ago. I think as long as it's in the hole when I start it (switch on the drill itself as well) I get less damage and more control - probably as i's quicker so I have less time for my attention to wander!

Carol · February 16, 2009, 11:29:24 AM

I have a Black & Decker Wizard that my Dad gave me, it's just like a Dremel, no flex shaft but I'm just careful with the water! The diamond bits from my hand reamer fit in it easily. I have used a hand bead reamer on occasion but last time I used it I stabbed myself in the finger right to the bone & ended up having to go to the doc's for an anti-tetanus jab after my finger swelled up spectacularly

turnedlight · February 16, 2009, 11:43:18 AM

Do ultrasonic cleaners work? We have one here that DH bought to do contact lenses.. think that'd be the same? He never used it, and now has disposables so maybe I could pinch it when he's looking the other way

Ian Pearson · February 16, 2009, 12:05:16 PM

I used an ultrasonic bath many years ago for cleaning slumped glass after coming out of oven but wasnt pefect. Did remove a lot of dirt though

Ian

Trudi · February 16, 2009, 01:17:13 PM

These are good replacement reamers!

http://cgi.ebay.com/10-Diamond-Coated-Bead-Reamers-Beading-Jewelers-Tools_W0QQitemZ260361144467QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item260361144467&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14

I wasn't sure as they inexpensive - but I've used them and they're ok!

Caron · February 16, 2009, 10:23:20 PM

I used to clean mine with my Dremmel but now I clean them by hand I had to many accidents with the Dremmel
lol Caron x

Shadowdarner · February 19, 2009, 07:59:35 AM

Like I said earlier in this thread...I use a reamer attachment on my glass grinder but I'm making larger beads now and a really nice lentil cracked yesterday....are the dremmel's slower/gentler than the glass grinders? I've been studying your responses to this thread and have started to look at dremmel tools now. I've got some funds at the moment to invest in one.

The lentil has Lauscha clear and effetre glass in it so it could be incompatibility between the glasses but it did crack from hole to hole while I was cleaning it ....maybe with larger beads the grinder is not the best method.

Does anyone have experience with using both a grinder and a dremmel?

I have heard that some people soak their beads in an anti-calc cleaner to help loosen the bead release...I've not done this before and I wonder if some colors might react to the cleaner.

firedinglass · February 19, 2009, 09:19:34 AM

Thanks for the link shine on 2 I've just ordered one! I found my dremel even though it had different speeds(a sliding switch) it was still too fast on it's slowest speed, this looks like just what i was looking for!

Lush! · February 19, 2009, 09:27:31 AM

I've been using the Finding King reamers for ages and they do a great job and very cheap.

But I ordered the Large Tapered Reamer Tip to see how it compares -its brilliant! It arrived the next day and its just what I've been looking for, fine enough for a 1.6mm hole and thick enough to speed up cleaning a 2.4mm hole. Wish they did one a bit fatter!

Delana - if you're going to get a Dremel just for cleaning beads, don't get a real Dremel, there's loads of cheaper look-alikes around

Shadowdarner · February 19, 2009, 09:33:28 AM

Thanks for the tip!! Beadalon has one...I guess you're familiar with it and it seems as though you're happy....Thanks for the links...for the price I can certainly order the reamers and teh beadalon 'thing'
I'll let you know how I get on!
Delana

Pat from Canvey · February 19, 2009, 09:34:06 AM

Quote from: Shadowdarner on February 19, 2009, 07:59:35 AM
The lentil has Lauscha clear and effetre glass in it so it could be incompatibility between the glasses but it did crack from hole to hole while I was cleaning it ....maybe with larger beads the grinder is not the best method.

I always thought that cracks from hole to hole were the result of thermal shock, particularly in the larger beads. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Shadowdarner · February 19, 2009, 09:40:22 AM

Pat,

Yea...I suspect thermal shock too....maybe I can't keep the bead cool enough when using the grinder...not enough water going down into the hole of the bead maybe. I kind of want this to be the problem since the solution will be so easy

I'm going to put this question out in another post http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=11258.0.

Delana