What's the knack with using this?

[Tonyb]

I bought a few bead rollers and this was one of them.


bead roller by Latonyura, on Flickr

The width of each cutout is only 4mm and when I get a decent gather on the mandrel, my blob of glass is wider than 4mm so won't easily drop into the slot to shape. Can someone advise me on the best way to use this thin roller?

Thanks

[Nicknack]

You want a very narrow footprint.  Try using a stringer to get the hang of it.  Then just build up rather than out, as if you're making a button.  I expect someone else will put it better.

Nick

[GaysieMay]

The other thing with rollers is that to start with don't roll! Instead place the mandrel in at one side then left out and do a half turn, the quarter etc until you get the shape almost there and the give it a roll! X

[Pegasus]

Hi Tony,
If you are new to using bead rollers, get accustomed to the easier shapes, like rounds, barrels, ovals, bicones etc first. You have picked a shape that is difficult to refine in a roller, simply because the heat needed to soften your glass will naturally spread it out on the mandrel. For this shape I would advise firstly using thin rods or stringers and make the shape as near to the cavity shape as possible. You will only be refining your bead in this shaper as the cavity is so narrow. I would say that this design is more useful for producing lots of consistently sized beads. Hope that helps a little!

[Tonyb]

Thanks everyone.

I will try these suggestions and if I can't get on with it, I will put it on my 'have another go at a later date' pile (which is quite large!)