Cabochon Mandrel - Directions

Think Safety:

Be proactive about safety. Take classes, do research, and talk with experts. Actively work to identify, and then reduce or eliminate hazards. You are responsible for your own safety and long term health.
Always use the correct filtered glasses to protect your eyes.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Always work with proper ventilation. Talk with an expert about your situation.
Set up and operate your torch system safely. Take a class or get an expert to show you.
Keep your workspace clean and organized. Set up your tools and glass so you don't need to reach over or around the torch.
Be careful with water. Putting hot tools or glass in water can generate steam. Long tubes can create jets of steam.
Watch out for repetitive strain injury (RSI). Take breaks, watch your posture, and cushion your elbow rests.
Always remove and clean your beads while wet to minimize bead release dust in the air.

Preparation:

Inspect the mandrel and wiggle the plate to check the weld. In the unlikely event of a lose weld, do not use the mandrel and contact Inspiration Toolworks for a replacement.
If you can fit the mandrel inside the bead release container, dip it, and then spin it between your hands to get extra bead release off. Make sure it's below the level of the rim or you'll get splattered!
If you can't fit the mandrel inside the container, get a plastic spoon, and add about one spoon's worth of bead release to the center of the mandrel, on the nub.
Slowly twist the mandrel and use the back side of the spoon to spread the release in a circle.
Now, turn it upside down in a trash can or other container, and spin it. Make sure it's below the level of the rim or you'll get splattered!
If you have trouble keeping the bead release from cracking, you may want to try air drying instead of flame drying.

Cabochon Construction:

Lay down the glass starting with the "nub". Make sure you have the mandrel hot enough for the glass to stick. I get the nub red hot before applying glass.
Keep adding glass.
I suggest using both hands to spin it with the mandrel pointing towards the flame when you are flame polishing.
Be careful not to lose your piece. If you don't have the glass adhered to the mandrel it may come off if you turn it upside down.
When finished, place the whole thing in the kiln for annealing.

Cabochon Removal: