Help with metal coring of beads
 

Well, after selling my Jim Moore bead liner a couple of years ago cuz "I'm not going to make big hole beads any more" ... I find myself wanting to get back into it. Duhhhh.... so thinking of purchasing the Nortel this time as it comes with all the different accessories. I want to use 4mm mandrels ... what size tubing do I need to purchase and where is a good place to buy it? I'm thinking some brass and then some sterling once I get the hang of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Somebody help ... I've read through the past threads but just don't see the info I need. HELP .....please!!

I'm amazed ... no one doing big hole bead lining?? I figured someone would know ... you all are always so helpful!!

Things have been really slow around here. I core my beads with an Impress. I use all the standard size stuff so I'm no help with your specific size. Are you on Facebook? The forum over there is very active.

Hi Diane ... thank you for your response!!! Yes, I'm active on FB ... what is the forum name so I can join. There has been very little information that is current ... lots going back to 2009!! Any info is greatly appreciated!

It is "Lampwork Beadmaking Tips, Techniques and Questions". See you there!

And no wonder this forum is so empty.

Angie, I'm sorry I don't have answers for most of your questions, all I can tell you is the mandrel size I use is larger (maybe 5mm). It has to be larger, the only thing I remember for certain is the inner diameter of the sterling tubing I used is 4.37mm. I bought that tubing in a bulk buy - I think the organizer purchased the supply at Thunderbird(?). I haven't looked in ages, but I remember there used to be tubing for sale on Etsy.
Good luck - I hope you find the info you need.

Yes, 5mm mandrel and tubing from http://www.ijsinc.com/ that has the 4.37mm ID. If you need the actual item number I can get it for you.

I think ginkgo something had tubes I bought on etsy.

She no longer sells it but she got it from the link I posted.

Amy
Can you post the item number?

Thanks

Thank you very much!😊

Thank you everyone for your help!! I'm still on the fence as to whether I want to take on coring beads again. My daughter did it before and I'm just not sure I have the time it's going to take and I'm thinking it won't increase my profits much. But you never know ... I may wake up tomorrow and go for it! Again, my thanks to all who have contributed!!

Hi Angie,
Sorry, I don't hang out here much these days or I would have answered sooner. Your tubing OD should match the mandrel size. For 4 mm OD tubing you can use a 5/32 inch mandrel. For 5 mm OD tubing you can use a 3/16 mandrel, and keep your release on the thick side. For Pandora style beads, you should use the 5 mm OD X 4.37 MM ID tubing from IJSINC mentioned above. 4 mm OD tubes will not fit over a Pandora bracelet. The ID is too small. Of course, I suggest you give the Impress Beadliner a try.
Regards,
Dave