Trim $$ With Homemade Mandrels
mandrels come in many sizes
You hear the word “mandrel”, what is it? A mandrel is the rod that you use to make lampwork beads. The mandrel is dipped in a separating solution called sludge before it is heated by the torch and melted glass is swirled around it. If you’re a lampworker already, then you know what a mandrel is. But, did you know that there are alternatives to the standard mandrels that you buy from your glass supplier?
It is great to purchase a package of mandrels from a glass supply store because they come in a neat little package, each one is the same size as the next and all ends are rounded, not sharp or jagged. I especially like the larger mandrels from the supplier because they are lighter in weight.
But here is an affordable alternative to buying every mandrel, because we all know how quickly you can use up a thin mandrel and need to replace it. Buy Stainless Steel Welding Rod from your local welding store. It comes in bulk packages that are three feet long and costs a lot less than mandrels purchased from the glass supply store. You need to make sure you ask for “stainless steel” rod. My favorite sizes are 1/16″ and 3/32″ because they are easier to cut with heavy cutters.
I have become extremely lazy about cutting welding rod too. buying it in bulk gives you tons of mandrels because you can cut each rod into 1/3rds. As you cut the rod, don’t cut it in one swift cut, but rather “dent” the rod with the cutters, then rotate the rod slightly, dent it again, rotate, dent again . . . until the rod is cut and has rounded ends, not jagged. I can accomplish this in about 4 squeezes of the cutters. Anything larger than 3/32″ is almost too difficult for a person to hand cut, but you can use a cutting saw to cut through larger mandrels if you like. Just remember to smooth and taper the ends so that the beads you make don’t get hung up when you try to take them off. Also remember that larger homemade mandrels will weigh more than purchased ones. (you can see in the photo above that the large hole mandrels on the left were purchased and have easily managed thin handles which takes away the extra weight)
Do you have ways to trim $$ in your lampwork? Please tell me.
