Large Oval 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 tube to check the welds. In the unlikely event of a lose weld, do not use the mandrel and contact Inspiration Toolworks for a replacement.
Dip in your favorite bead release and dry. You may or may not find you need to scuff up the surface of the tube with sandpaper for the bead release to "stick".
If you have trouble keeping the bead release from cracking, you may want to try air drying instead of flame drying.
You should push out the bead release from the inside to keep the weight down on the mandrel. This is also a safety issue. If there is a small hole created, it is possible for steam to shoot out if you quench your work in water.

Bead Construction:

Lay down your glass around the tube. You can use the edge of the tool as a visual guide for keeping it straight.
When finished, place the whole thing in the kiln for annealing.

Bead Removal:

Bead Stringing:

Nail polish can be applied on the inside of the glass to smooth over the bead release contact area.