Bead Presses

[Billie]

    ME!! ME!! ME!! ME!! ME!!   

[Caroline]

I'll look into it! 

I really didn't expect this much reaction this fast but I'm so glad because now I have to actually get off my butt and get going on this - quickly!

I won't even dare ask who'd like to test out the prototypes!!

oooooooooooh you tease, you know we'd all be in line

[Blue Kiln Beads]

Not making beads at the moment but thought I would add my two penneth!  To have the opportunity to buy British would do it for me every time especially if the price is in line (as much as possible) with international pricing. 

[Dragonfire Glass]

Needless to say I would be delighted to test a press!

[beadysam]

I'm not wonderful with presses but I'm happy to try something simple!

[*rowanberry*]

Some texturisers would be ace - like cattwalk ruffler and spiral ones...

I am so after a spiral one :-)

[beads-on-toast]

good call Claire
Spiral all the way

[*rowanberry*]

Rufflers are ace if you like doing seaside beads, ruffle a silvered ivory bead and it looks like a sea urchin!

[Stacy]

I would definatly be interested in British bought presses. Also my OH is contantly going on about them so no doubt he would be also.

[Bee]

Right-o.

We're having a meeting and prototyping session on Saturday...

I'm also looking into brass suppliers for costs so I should have a rough idea in a few days.

I'll let you all know how it goes. Wish us luck! 

[Billie]

Best of luck 

[annasjewellerybox]

oooooooooooooo, how exciting

[Bee]

Well... After 6 hours in the workshop we've got half a prototype and I'm very excited!!

I think you're all in for a pleasant surprise! Obviously it's not finished yet so I've not tested it but I'm jumping up and down at the thought of it...

One question:

Does the press part have to be brass? If so, why?

We just thought that aluminum would be lighter and could handle the temperature but didn't know if there was a specific reason for using brass... (Plus, aluminum would be cheaper!) The other option was stainless steel.

[beadysam]

How do you have 1/2 a prototype?

[littlegiggles]

it's to do with the melting point of the metal...

technically molton glass is hotter than the melting point of alluminium, but because alluminium wicks the heat away so quickly it tends not to melt.  could mean the base could get very hot and distort and will have to be used on a heat resistant surface and be careful with fingers

would stainless steel have the same the same problem as mandrels in that when the hot glass hits it, it sticks?

I think it's brass for a reason