Pandora style cored beads "measuring."

merigypsy · #1 2010-07-23, 11:24am

Does anyone else have a system when measuring out the bead then the correct amount of tube? I do use calipers and a good little ruler.
I am not good at making my beads exactly the same size. They all range from 3/8-5/8 in width. Mostly 1/4 inch. But I find that I really need to give each bead attention on the measurements to "get it right."
Then if you add a cap to it changes the measurement as well.

It seems tedious, but worth it. But I wondered if anyone has found away that is quicker and more clever.

I just am not a math person. Maybe I am just impatient on this step today! Plus I am still PPP on getting the pressing down to look clean and even on a consistent basis.

I do love doing it overall, just frustrated with me.

Mitosis Glass · #2 2010-07-23, 11:33am

I'll be watching this thread with interest, as I will be venturing into this area of beadmaking myself.

ginko · #3 2010-07-23, 11:43am

I use a brass caliper (like this one: http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/...-vernier/XJA66) to measure the widest point of the bead. Then I slide the opening another 2.5mm. Taking the caliper, I carefully hook the edge of the opening over the end of the tubing and mark the inside with a sharpie. Because the ink line is going to shorten the measurement, I cut on the outside of my ink mark to get the full measurement. I use a plumber's line cutter to score and cut the tubing. If you are using a saw, you need to compensate for the blade width that will be removed from your cut.

For capped beads, I put the cap on the tubing, the bead next and finally the last cap. Then I measure the widest point of the caps and bead. Add 2.5mm and proceed to mark my tubing for cutting.

Okay, I admit, I am crazy to measure to the .5mm increments, but it works for me.

Mitosis Glass · #4 2010-07-23, 11:58am

Well, how timely! I was just about to search you out on Etsy, Ginko!

Thank you for these tips also!

ginko · #5 2010-07-23, 12:26pm

LOL. That answer just cost me. I cannot go to widget supply's web page without seeing something I must have. I love tools too much.

JavaGirlBT · #6 2010-07-23, 1:01pm

Dave has some easy steps for measuring in his tutorial for using his machine: www.artintheround.com. Look under articles.

J&M · #7 2010-07-23, 1:05pm

Here's the caliper I use, and it works great!
http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/...gital/SFB3-004

Dave at Art In The Round gives some great advise also. Go about half-way down the page.

You sneaked in on me Ellen! LOL

Jack

Amy's Artisan Beads · #8 2010-07-23, 1:17pm

I use a "digital" caliper (purchased at Harbor Freight) and measure the size of the beads with the bead caps held in place, then lock the caliper in place and press "zero" I then unlock the caliper to slide my bead out and continue to slide the caliper open until it reads 4.00 and lock it in place. (that gives me 2mm on each side to finished off the bead). I then "score" the bead with the sharp edge of the caliper at that measurement and cut the tubing.
I hope you found this helpful. The digital caliper is really the best thing I've found for a precise measurement without much thought.

merigypsy · #9 2010-07-25, 1:18pm

Thanks everyone, I was away!
Ginko I didn't think about including the blade part so this was helpful. I am using a non digital caliper but the brass one really is good.

Thanks jack, Amy and Ellen. I'll look into the tips.

Angie, good luck. It really is precise work, but I do love making them!

My saw is from Harbor Freights, it is a $25 cheapy. I think the blade must be dull. I hope to upgrade to something else down the road!

tammydownunder · #10 2010-07-25, 3:52pm

I will add that I just use the calipers to make the mark on my silver tubing. I measure the bead, add 3.4 mm to the calipers and then take the calipers to my silver.

yeepers · #11 2010-07-25, 4:24pm

Teehee....I totally eyeball mine. I just put the bead (or bead with bead caps) on the silver tubing, eyeball it, mark the spot then cut.

merigypsy · #12 2010-07-25, 4:37pm

Yeepers you sure do fine with that method!!!

Tammy thanks for the photos & tip.

bousky · #13 2010-07-26, 10:15am

I am with Amy and Tammy. I also use a digital caliper, measure the bead, zero out the caliper, then measure out 4mm more, 2 for each end of the bead. Then I score the silver with the caliper.

I think this video was the one I watched that originally helped me figure this out. It was a link posted in another thread on the subject

http://www.dawnandevan.com/silver_core.htm

villa design · #14 2010-07-26, 12:21pm

What's this measuring thing? I've always eyeballed it.