Inspiration Toolworks LLC: Hexagon Mandrel

Inspiration Toolworks LLC is no longer selling tools. Instead, our tools are now available through Zooziis!.

Hexagon 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 hexagon to check the connection. In the unlikely event of a lose connection, do not use the mandrel and contact Inspiration Toolworks for a replacement.
Dip in your favorite bead release.
To get the best shape, you must minimize the amount of bead release used while still making sure you have enough to get the glass off after annealing.
The coating should look even, and there should be no metal visible, but there should also be a minimum of lumps.
You can spin the tool between your hands *while the tool is still in the jar, above the bead release* OR you can tap the rod on the edge of the jar to shake off the bead release. Rotate to get an even coat.
If you have trouble keeping the bead release from cracking, you may want to try air drying instead of flame drying.

Bead Construction:

Lay down your glass around the hexagon.
You can use the flats or verticies as visual guides for spacing decoration evenly around the hexagon.
When finished, place the whole thing in the kiln for annealing.

Bead Removal:

Remove as normal.
A diamond tool can be used to clean the inside of the bead. You may need touse a pointed tool to get the points clean.