Cracking bead release

[Kaz]

I have to be honest and say I rarely, if ever, clean my mandrels and usually have no problems at all. I don't soak the beads off, just very naughty and pull them off the mandrel by hand or with pliers for sticky ones. I think there was a batch of fusion not long ago that was a bit iffy though - so maybe a combination of factors. I am just about to try some Smooth and Tuff that I bought in Oz.
Kazx

[Donna@Rockin' Beads]

I have to be honest and say I rarely, if ever, clean my mandrels and usually have no problems at all.

I'm afraid I'm the same. I do steep the mandrels but give them a cursory rinse to get the old bead release off then let them dry and dip again.
I did have  period where the bead release was cracking more easily but that seemed to coincide with the dipped mandrels sitting in a hot, dry environment for ages so I redipped them and the problem went away.

Hope you get yours sorted Sue.

[Blue Box Studio]

Perhaps I just have a bit of a duff batch.  I've not had a problem with any of the other pots I've bought.

[awrylemming]

I'll do some experimentation today, and see if it is definitely the dishwashed mandrels or the bead release .... fingers crossed, this stuff is just too expensive  to throw away.

[Madam Steph]

I bought some Fosterfire Smooth and Tough as it's recommended for presses and Boro and it's a Godsend for me.
I still keep my Fusion for beads that dont go through a press but when that goes (prolly not for ages yet) I will try the Regular Fosterfire (there are 3 different types: Regular; Heavy Duty; Smooth and Tough)

Linda x

[Lotti]

I have to confess that I have terrible problems with cracking bead release, often I think because the bead release might be a bit thick and because I often forget to dip the night before and end up having to dry the bead release in the flame and I don't think mine is vey fond of this!  I think a realy good reclean of the mandrels and another scrub with sandpaper might be on the cards.  Just off to play and will see how it goes today as I opened a new pot yesterday and dipped everything last night and left by the woodburner to dry out properly.

[jammie]

I really like fosterfire, like it better than fusion,dont clean my mandrels, heat all the way down the mandrel coating and it  is usually ok, but sometimes just doesnt work and cracks, the damp definitely makes a difference to them drying, and too dry and it just cracks too.

[tinker]

Actually my latest tub of fusion from tuffnells is proving a little more cracky than the first pot too - it's a pain in the butt! Will set aside some time to clean and re sand the mandrels tho and see if that helps

[Amber]

I've got some dodgy Fusion recently too  I've always found it to be by far the best bead release, but the latest pot seems thinner than usual and even when I'm triple dipping my mandrels I've had a lot of beads stuck firm. I've killed most of my 1.6mm mandrels because of it 

[awrylemming]

Mine's fine now that I've cleaned and sanded away the dishwasher coating    A valuable lesson for any of you that might be as indolent as I    I have my Fosterfire but keep that for press work.