Lampwork Etc.
 
Mountain Glass Arts

LE Live Chat

Enter Live Chat

No users in chat


Donate via PayPal to donate@lampworketc.com

Caber Light


 

Go Back   Lampwork Etc. > Library > Tips, Techniques, and Questions

Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 2007-08-11, 9:49am
Patti Patti is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 30, 2007
Location: Grapevine, Texas
Posts: 93
Default What Would You Buy For Your First Bead Press?

I am interested in trying out bead presses. I have resisted buying any because I have been afraid that once I tried one, I would want them all!

What would you suggest as a good press to buy as a first one? I am finally ready to take the plunge (that is, my life jacket is on, and I'm ready to swim. Someone please bless my pocketbook!!!).
__________________
Patti


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Website:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Blog:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2007-08-11, 9:55am
nagibeads's Avatar
nagibeads nagibeads is offline
yukue fumei
 
Join Date: Apr 25, 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 4,954
Default

I would say lentil or straight sided lentil/button. The shapes are nice to the touch and the presses are relatively easy to start with
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
nagi

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
,
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
,
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
,
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2007-08-11, 10:03am
Reenie Reenie is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 08, 2006
Location: Palmdale, California
Posts: 7,589
Default

I agree! That one is fairly easy to use and even the nugget press is pretty cool!
Irene
__________________
Irene




To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2007-08-11, 10:10am
PJD PJD is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 27, 2006
Location: just east of Seattle
Posts: 250
Default

Congrats! My first press was a regular lentil. I bought the Zoozii lentil trio first. It's a good first press, but I've found I really like the straight-sided lentil better. I think it's a little easier to use, personally, and love the look of the straight-sided lentils. I like the versatility of having it with the med. nugget.

Good luck!

Paula
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2007-08-11, 10:42am
Hayley's Avatar
Hayley Hayley is offline
da General
 
Join Date: Oct 05, 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 13,002
Default

I bought the Nugget Trio and the Spree Trio (straight sided lentil). Since my natural shape is a barrel, I use the nugget more.
__________________
Hayley


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2007-08-11, 11:15am
Phoenix's Avatar
Phoenix Phoenix is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 09, 2005
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 6,559
Default

I bought cattwalks button and dual crunch for my first- I would choose the button again - I plan on getting the larger crunch though instead of the dual
__________________
-Jessica
Buy Beads:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

--------------
Make Beads:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

--------------

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Do you make purple hearts? Let me know in your order and I'll send you free purple glass!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2007-08-11, 11:38am
StephBonniwell's Avatar
StephBonniwell StephBonniwell is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 23, 2005
Location: Quinby, VA
Posts: 1,611
Default

How exciting!

I suggest the lentil trio or the straight-sided lentil trio as well. I adore the tab trio still, but I think the lentils are best in the beginning. Good luck!
__________________
Steph

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2007-08-11, 11:49am
NLC Beads's Avatar
NLC Beads NLC Beads is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 01, 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 7,458
Default

I like the crunch because it's less fussy about how much glass you put in there, or the spiral texture plate. Lentils rock, too, but give yourself time to learn, don't get frustrated - it's worth it, really!
__________________


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
~:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:~
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
~:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:~ Nikki ~:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:~

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
~:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:~
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


"...living hopefully ever after..." -john lennon
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2007-08-11, 11:51am
KEW KEW is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 25, 2006
Location: Chicago suburb
Posts: 1,831
Default

I like the tab trio for a little more versatility. You can get nice straight crisp edges or melt them a little more for a softer look that is still round.

It took me forever to get decent holes on my lentil press, so I'd opt for the straight sided lentil although I do love the crisp edge on the non-hole sides of the lentil.

I also like the pillow shape, but once again, the holes take some practice.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2007-08-11, 12:17pm
josielv's Avatar
josielv josielv is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 20, 2005
Location: Soldotna, Alaska
Posts: 11,898
Default

my first was the lentil, my next will be the ruffler by cattwalk
__________________
Beads of a Feather
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
SRA# M 87

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2007-08-11, 12:19pm
lunamoonshadow's Avatar
lunamoonshadow lunamoonshadow is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 27, 2005
Location: Yarmouth, Maine...home of the Clamfest
Posts: 7,693
Default

I LOVE my Catwalk CRUNCH!!!!
Now that I'm getting better at crunching the right shape--and getting them "even" ....and the top makes a great barrel marver too!
__________________
And if I laugh at any mortal thing, ‘Tis that I may not weep...” ~Lord Byron

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

new purple cricket @ home! minicc @ playing with fire in rockland! Sue & Nikki fighting over who gets to anneal the wonkies
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2007-08-11, 4:49pm
Three Muses Glass's Avatar
Three Muses Glass Three Muses Glass is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 23, 2005
Location: Up and down I-95
Posts: 4,390
Default

I vote for the crunch too! Very versatile press/marver. It was my first and I wouldn't give it up!
__________________
Rebecca


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2007-08-11, 5:13pm
Patti Patti is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 30, 2007
Location: Grapevine, Texas
Posts: 93
Default

Wow, thanks so much everyone. Your suggestions are really helping me to narrow the choices down.

I am thinking of trying the Foster Fire Smooth and Tuff for the bead release. Do you have favorite sizes of mandrels? Do big or small work best starting out?

I think I will check and see if I can get one of Lori Greenberg's books on how to use presses. I bet that she addresses a lot of these types of questions in her book.

Woohoo! I am so excited!
__________________
Patti


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Website:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Blog:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2007-08-11, 5:20pm
squid's Avatar
squid squid is offline
Ass-kicking Cephalopod
 
Join Date: Jun 19, 2006
Location: Duh, Squidville
Posts: 9,523
Default

FF Smooth and Tuff is a great choice.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

DOG is my co-pilot
Cricket w/two 5 lpm oxycons - and sometimes a Minor.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2007-08-11, 5:27pm
fritobsessed's Avatar
fritobsessed fritobsessed is offline
Princess Odd . . . lot
 
Join Date: Jun 06, 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,503
Default

As far as mandrels go - most presses are made to be used with a 1/16" mandrel, but if you request it (at least with Zoozii & Mike's Brass for Glass - I don't have Catwalk presses so I can't speak for them), they will grind them out to fit up to a 3/32" mandrel (if the depth of the press allows for it). I usually use 5/64" (in between 1/16 & 3/32) and those seem to work well in the presses, but are harder to find.
__________________
MJ
~The Nocturnal Moving Wickedly Sweet Green Dragoness~
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 2007-08-11, 6:43pm
artsyuno's Avatar
artsyuno artsyuno is offline
I'm meeeeelting
 
Join Date: May 27, 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,236
Default

I just bought my first press - Zoozii straight-sided lentil trio. It's pretty easy to use, having practiced on Feldt's Glass's regular lentil trio. I used it for the first time yesterday.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2007-08-11, 7:03pm
Tanja's Avatar
Tanja Tanja is offline
Griffin Park Originals
 
Join Date: Sep 29, 2005
Location: Wonewoc, Wisconsin
Posts: 830
Default

Lentil was my favorite out of my presses.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2007-08-12, 6:21am
sarsigirl sarsigirl is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 03, 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 44
Default

Any of the Zooziis straight sided lentils. I love those. I didnt like the lentil shape becaise I could never get my holes to be nice and match, but with the SSL there's no prob.
__________________
Lynn
Life is "trying things out to see if they work".
- Ray Bradbury
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 2007-08-12, 7:21am
lunamoonshadow's Avatar
lunamoonshadow lunamoonshadow is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 27, 2005
Location: Yarmouth, Maine...home of the Clamfest
Posts: 7,693
Default

I the crunch, because it works with ANY size mandrel
(the others work best with the 1/16th size!!)
Fosterfire release is nice (haven't tried the smooth & tough yet--just the older version) but Nikki got me hooked on Fusion...I really like that one
__________________
And if I laugh at any mortal thing, ‘Tis that I may not weep...” ~Lord Byron

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

new purple cricket @ home! minicc @ playing with fire in rockland! Sue & Nikki fighting over who gets to anneal the wonkies
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 2007-08-12, 11:06am
Patti Patti is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 30, 2007
Location: Grapevine, Texas
Posts: 93
Default

The Crunch looks really easy to use. Is there a trick to getting the ends squared off as opposed to indented right where the mandrel was?

I have narrowed my choices down to the Crunch, the Spree trio, or Nugget trio. I may have to draw my final choice out of a hat, heehee. They all look great! I certainly have a great Christmas list now. Thanks everyone for all the recommendations. It has really helped!
__________________
Patti


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Website:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Blog:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 2007-08-13, 5:40am
Sheltie19's Avatar
Sheltie19 Sheltie19 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 13, 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 459
Default

my first press was from Tradesbears... she makes great presses and they are reasonably priced... and she has several molds to chose from... It has been so easy to use.. I love it
Sheltie
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


National 8 w/oxygen concentrator
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 2007-08-13, 5:55am
mandyjw's Avatar
mandyjw mandyjw is offline
addicted to dichro
 
Join Date: Jan 05, 2006
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,402
Default

My first was and is the zoozis crystal trio. Most of the beads I make are encased and the crystals look awesome when they are an encased design because the design seems to change from every angle. The beads are also closer to round than some of the beads from other presses, so they hardly ever crack if you have that problem. Its also easy to add glass if you don't get them the right size at first, and with the trio, if you mess up and don't get enough glass or get too much you can always try to next size up or down. I'm not sure if its harder to use or easier to use than the other presses, because right now its my only one. I'm thinking about trying a Kalera shape press sometime too.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 2007-08-13, 10:39am
jaci's Avatar
jaci jaci is offline
Glass-aholic
 
Join Date: Mar 21, 2007
Location: CT, tolland CT
Posts: 4,332
Default

pillow! i love it.....
________
NEXIUM WITHDRAW

Last edited by jaci; 2011-04-17 at 8:01pm.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 2007-08-14, 9:48am
beadsoncypress's Avatar
beadsoncypress beadsoncypress is offline
BeadsonCypress
 
Join Date: Jan 05, 2007
Location: Jersey Shore - by AC
Posts: 2,662
Default

My first choice would be the Cattwalk lentil 1" or larger. I use the top and the base independently of each other and use the top as a rounding marver all the time!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 1:22pm.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Your IP: 52.91.0.68