Same size beads

[Katerina]

I love it!!!! BUT....

How are you people manage make beads the same size??

[Kaz]

I do two on a mandrel at once. Other than that it is just guesswork. Les posted a good tip - make a bead the size you like and then keep it on your worktop to use as a guide. Practice makes perfect (or at least better, if not perfect  !)
Kazx

[beads-on-toast]

PPP

i work up to 4 on a mandrel and always keep beads in front of me as a guide

[glassworks]

ah yes, the old "make loads and sort them later" wheeze!!  i thought i was the only one who had to  make dozens to get any decent pairs and sets!.. go figure...

but at least its good practice right?...

[Katiequiggle]

Think I'll give it a go doing 2 on a mandrel at a time, I can do 10 little beads but not 2 biggish beads.

[beads-on-toast]

say if i need 8 matching, i'd probably make 20 and pick out the best, then keep the others for future sets

[Kaz]

say if i need 8 matching, i'd probably make 20 and pick out the best, then keep the others for future sets

Wow! You should get a medal - I would have gone round the twist by 8 anyway!!!
Kaz

[beads-on-toast]

well if you do 2 or 3 on a mandrel it doesn't take long

[Kaz]

If they're relatively simple? but many of yours are quite complex!
Kaz

[Katerina]

OK so here is the rules.
1 Keep example
2 Make 2 - 4 at once (well i can manage  2 but 4!!!!)
3 Practise!!!! make  20 if you need 8

What about Doming Dapping or press??? Anybody use it?

[Soo]

I count the number of winds of glass I put on the bead in order to get them roughly the same size. I've got to the stage where I can nearly always get a matching pair out of every 4 or 5 beads and I save the rest until I've got enough for a bracelet or necklace.

Personally, I find making more than one on a mandrel irritating, I feel in good company because Corina says in her book Passing the Flame that it stresses her so she doesn't do it either. But good luck to those who don't mind!

[Kaz]

Generally I find it OK to make two unless they are really complex. The only problem is when you fail to leave enough space in between and they start migrating towards each other - glass must be magnetic when molten!
Kaz

[Soo]

Ooops - one big one then! 

[Katerina]

I manage 2 spacers at once yesterday and if they are 2-3 winds only it is really ok
May be I will manage 3 but definitely with a big stress  .