1/4" Round 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.

Drawer Pull Safety:

Please remember that drawer pulls and door knobs will be have some amount of force applied to them in use. Make sure the glass is thick enough and properly annealed so that the end user is not in danger.

Preparation:

Inspect the mandrel and wiggle the shaft to check the connection. In the unlikely event of a lose connection, do not use the mandrel and contact Inspiration Toolworks LLC for a replacement.
Dip in your favorite bead release.
If you have trouble keeping the bead release from cracking, you may want to try air drying instead of flame drying.
Purchase epoxy that is good for metal and glass from the hardware store.
Purchase some "8-32" screws. Get ones that as long as the thickness of the drawer wall plus 1/4" to 1/2".

Using Your Drawer Pull Mandrel:

Build a base bead on the thick part of the mandrel.
Apply the glass close to, but not over, the edge of the thick part of the mandrel, closest to the handle.
Make sure to cover the end of the mandrel.
Add enough glass to provide for a good grip on the knob and strength.
Anneal in your kiln.

Adding the Threaded Insert

After the knob is annealed, remove as normal, and clean the inside thoroughly, preferrably with a diamond bit.
Let the knob dry after cleaning.
Get your inserts ready.
Read the epoxy directions, being careful to follow eye, skin, and ventilation safety precautions.
Mix up your epoxy according to the directions.
Put a good sized glob of epoxy in the hole. You may want to use a toothpick.
Put in the threaded insert, making sure to put the closed end in first.
Slide in either as far as it will go, or until the epoxy is almost squeezed out.
Let the epoxy cure as per the directions.
Mount to your drawer or door using the screws.