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Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips |
2011-10-09, 1:31pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Oct 08, 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 127
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Question about Fireworks bead making kit
Does anyone know what size mandrel are the that kit? I would like to try some different size mandrels. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks, Paula
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2011-10-09, 9:46pm
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one day at a time
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Join Date: Jun 27, 2005
Location: We are MOVING!!!
Posts: 8,319
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My suggestion is to not waste your money on a Fireworks torch and go with the Hothead instead. The Fireworks torch has a reputation of going bad in a short amount of time, and it doesn't compare to the Hothead anyway. The Hothead is hotter and will last you a long time. My HH torch is 9 years old and still working fine.
The Fireworks was the first torch I bought. It started melting glass very slowly at three months and then burned out completely a month later. I regretted wasting the money on it and wished I got the HH which was recommended to me.
Here is good kit, and you can also buy mandrels by the piece on this site:
http://www.howacoglass.com/torchwork_beginners_kit.html
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You live in a world of money. Money means choices. No money, no choices. Welcome to reality.
Melody (Marlee Matlin) from Switched at Birth
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2011-10-09, 10:09pm
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I'm a lilac!
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Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
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I agree with Lisi... pretty much everyone I have heard about getting a Fireworx torch had ended up having to replace it with a Hot Head, so you might as well avoid the extra expense and just start with a Hot Head.
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-Kalera
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2011-10-10, 3:05am
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Live and Let Live
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Join Date: May 06, 2007
Location: Southern NH
Posts: 2,292
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I think the OP already has the kit and is just looking for different mandrels.
Not sure what size but if you have some digital calipers and can measure one, we can convert it to tell you.
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Lisa ~~burning a Mega Minor on 2 M10's~~
This life is more than just a read-through. ~Anthony Kiedis
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2011-10-10, 7:49am
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I'm a lilac!
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Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
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Ahhh, I misunderstood. I don't know, but I would guess they probably include 3/32" mandrels because that's a common size and less prone to bending than 1/16".
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-Kalera
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2011-10-10, 8:03am
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 28, 2010
Location: Winthrop, MN
Posts: 3,010
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I started on the Flameworks kit. Got it from Hobby Lobby. My kit came with 15 - 3/32 mandels. I used it for almost 4 yrs off and on before getting my mini cc. And yes they do wear out fairly fast. I had to replace mine 2ce in that time but I was broke and couldn't afford much more plus I wasn't sure how into lampworking I was going to get! Even tho everyone says its not worth the money I had a great time learning to play with the glass and learning the basics. My daughter-in-law got the HH and I actually liked the Flameworks one better because with the Flameworks I could adjust the airflow where with the HH I couldn't but then I was not used to the way the HH works or if you can adjust the airflow on it. Someone else would have to tell you that one. Guess its all in what you get used to.
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2011-10-10, 8:16am
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apt to wander....
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Join Date: May 23, 2011
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 100
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I started with the Flameworks Kit too. It has 3/32 sized mandrels - I know most folks don't like the Flameworks torch, but it worked well for me - though I was lucky enought to be able to switch to a cricket a few months in. My little Flameworks torch still works (except for the igniter) and at $45 bucks for the kit, it was a REALLY cheap way to try out my new obsession
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Melissa
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2011-10-10, 9:44am
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 12, 2011
Location: Davison, MI
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I know that this torch might be junk to a lot of people but I'm glad I spent the money on it (which, with my 40% coupon only cost $55). Consider that the price includes everything you need to get started, including dydidiums.
Since I am known for jumping into every hobby I see, I did not want to spend the money on an expensive system if it was just going to sit in the closet with my macrame board, knitting needles, polymer clay, pastels & watercolors, weaving loom, etc etc.
The Fireworks torch does have that adjustable collar on it which is nice. I was able to use that torch for around 8 months before my husband surprised me with my Minor torch. I recently got out that old torch and gave it to my nephew because he is interested in learning how to make beads and it still works. Obviously it is not a torch that will last forever but I never would have been able to start this wonderful hobby if it weren't for that torch. Just like I fondly remember my first car, I didn't not drive because my dad bought me a Chevette instead of a Corvette.
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2011-10-10, 12:05pm
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CiM Tamarind-Skinned
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Join Date: Apr 28, 2011
Location: Not nearly close enough to the water.
Posts: 426
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Denielle
I know that this torch might be junk to a lot of people but I'm glad I spent the money on it (which, with my 40% coupon only cost $55). Consider that the price includes everything you need to get started, including dydidiums.
Since I am known for jumping into every hobby I see, I did not want to spend the money on an expensive system if it was just going to sit in the closet with my macrame board, knitting needles, polymer clay, pastels & watercolors, weaving loom, etc etc.
The Fireworks torch does have that adjustable collar on it which is nice. I was able to use that torch for around 8 months before my husband surprised me with my Minor torch. I recently got out that old torch and gave it to my nephew because he is interested in learning how to make beads and it still works. Obviously it is not a torch that will last forever but I never would have been able to start this wonderful hobby if it weren't for that torch. Just like I fondly remember my first car, I didn't not drive because my dad bought me a Chevette instead of a Corvette.
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Hahahah! Nice comparison! It's true, it has a bad reputation but if you get it on the cheap with a coupon, it's a good deal to get you going. And, if nothing else, it's a good lesson in being patient and learning patience handling the glass.
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Monica
In love with my Sparkly Green GTT Cricket! Running it with an oxycon and cookin' my beads in George Clooney, my Regular Guy GlassHive Kiln (Like George he is Super Hot and Fabulously Grey!). To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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2011-10-10, 3:38pm
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Naysayer
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Join Date: Sep 22, 2009
Posts: 1,203
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But thing is they're known to conk out and they really do take forever to melt compared to a HH. I had one years ago and it lasted only a very short time. The starters go out. You can adjust to reduce on a HH, tinfoil collar I did it for years before I got the cricket. We're just trying to save some headache and money.
They do not include ventilation which is very important so be sure to read on that!
Original question, my kit had 1/8th inch mandrels, so who knows since others had 3/32. If you're just starting I personally would stick with 3/32 if that is what you have but nothing wrong with trying out some 1/16th.
1/8th are 3.2mm, 3/32 are 2.4mm
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2011-10-10, 3:48pm
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one day at a time
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Join Date: Jun 27, 2005
Location: We are MOVING!!!
Posts: 8,319
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My suggestion to all new lampworkers is to start out with the HH. If your FW torch conks out, get a HH. Stay on it for a while before you change to a Cricket or any other oxy/propane torch. Much is to be learned, and you can learn a lot of very important skills on your HH. I was on mine for 18 months before I changed to a Mini CC. I still go back to my HH to make certain beads that I just can't do on an oxy/propane torch.
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You live in a world of money. Money means choices. No money, no choices. Welcome to reality.
Melody (Marlee Matlin) from Switched at Birth
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2011-10-21, 3:58pm
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Sep 21, 2011
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 13
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I got the Fireworks for x-mas last year. I am now in love with flameworking and have moved on to a hot head. If a kit is all you can afford then go for it and build your supplies up as you go. I am glad I did.
p.s. mine come with 15 3/32 mandrels.
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