Marble press?

[helbels]

Hello all

I have been happily making nice round beads using my doming block.   My question is - why would I want to buy a marble press too, considering most people just seem to use half of one?  (Which surely is pretty much the same as a doming block??)

It must be the weekend for numpty newbie questions - I haven't asked one for a few weeks, and suddenly I have lots going round in my head!!

Helen x

[sublimekate]

I 'think' it's because the marble press has a groove for the mandrel, which I'm guessing gives you a truer round....I think 

I've always used a doming block no probs, but I have just bought 1/2 a marble press  so I'll let you know if it's any better.

Kate xx

[Lush!]

I love my marble press but I've never got on with the doming block - its definitely the mandrel groove for me 

It'll be interesting to hear your verdict Kate!

[Shirley]

Best use I found for my doming block is as a frit holder. Love the bottom part of my marble press.

[Maria Louisa]

Helen, the domingblock is terrific for making buttons or marbleshapes that you make at the top of your mandrel or glassrod. If you want a perfect round bead you need the mandrelgroove to make it work better. And some like a press then but lots of people only need half a press to use as a marver.

[helbels]

Thanks guys,

I'm just interested, because my rounds are coming out really nicely with my doming block!  I'm quite attached to it!

Perhaps if I made some rounds with a marble press I'd go "Oh no, my nice rounds really weren't all that round really" - but without the comparison they look pretty nice to me 

Helen x

[sublimekate]

Well I have to admit that my rounds aren't quite round, the 15mm hole in the doming block makes approx a 15mm x 13mm round for me which isn't round is it 

[helbels]

Hmm I've not measured mine, but they seem to roll across the worktop quite merrily!!

[Sarah]

Hi Helen

I've always been happy with my doming block too and have never felt the need for a marble press. My rounds are definitely round from my doming block. If you're happy with it then I would stick with it. Different things work for different people 

Sarah
xxx