tumbler to remove bead release?

[SarahBlue]

forgive me if this is a dumb question; i don't know all that much about all this!! a silversmith friend just suggested that i try to use a tumbler to remove bead release. is this something that is done?

[queenofsheba52]

Hi Sarah,

First of all, no question is ever dumb!

I prefer to clean out the bead release with a wonderful tool called a BeaDreamer. They are especially made just for this purpose. I tried many methods before learning about the BeaDreamer and I wasn't happy with any of them. I don't know how to make a link but I'm sure you can Google it.

Best of luck to you!
Helene

[Katia]

For 1/8 mandrels you can use a toothpick and a small piece of sand paper (240-400 grit will work) wrapped on the toothpick. Or a piece of wire or a sewing needle (any inexpensive one you have). The idea is to have a stable (more or less) core for the sand paper. Put your bead under running water or in a container with water and just scrub out the residue of the bead release. Round diamond file or beadreamer are great as well.

[Frit Diva]

Sarah, I don't think a tumbler would work to remove bead release, because the tumbling media is too large to get inside the hole. Also, the tumbling action might dull the surface or the glass or etch it, depending on what type of media you used. The methods described above work great!

[Speedslug]

Tumbling just wont get down inside the bead hole.

I get pretty good results with the bead reamers with rough surface.
A lot of them use the term diamond dust coating. How much diamond is in the coating is a question in my mind.

I just use the bead reamers and a small bowl of water and try not to poke myself too often.

If it doesn't come out easy I let them soak for a day and try later.

Widget Supply has lots of styles and they are very inexpensive.

https://www.widgetsupply.com/mm5/mer...7d&Screen=SRCH

[SarahBlue]

thank you everyone!!!

[KJohn]

Hi Sarah, looks like you have some great advice, but I'd like to add..what your friend might be referring to is a technique with beads on wire pipe cleaners or similar and those small "strands" of beads are then tumbled. The tumbler agitates the wire and it will remove the bead release. There were some threads about it some time ago here. It worked well if you had the time and a supply of pipe cleaners LOL

[Speedslug]

Aye, I remember that thread.

They had to go to a tobacco shop to get the real pipe cleaners with the tiny cross wires in the pipe cleaners and not the pretty toy ones from the craft shops.

[theglasspilcrow]

That's a neat idea with the pipe cleaners, I wonder if they would damage a lortone's rubber barrel?

[KJohn]

No, that wasn't a concern. They are meant to tumble rocks! And used for metal work too.

[FosterFire]

Wouldn't hurt the tumbler but would likely etch the bead. Try this thread for bead release info:
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=276263

[hyperT]

Any twisted wire will work if the bead fits on it and can slide back and forth on the wire when tumbled and no it won't etch the beads.

[SarahBlue]

Thank you everyone. I'm gonna give it a try!!!

[hyperT]

Anneal the beads in the usual manner. I usually don't anneal them first.
Place a bead or two on a piece of twisted wire, bend both ends up with some needle nose pliers.
Make sure the bead can slide back and forth on the wire.
Put a bunch of beads in the tumbler. I do at least 50 at a time. Add water to about 3/4 full.
Put a squirt of dish soap in the barrel this will prevent any etching. Tumble them for about 45 minutes, empty,
rinse and remove from the wires. Let them dry.

How many more beads did you get done while they were being cleaned?

Hobby Lobby sells a cheap tumbler for around 30 bucks.

[SarahBlue]

I am looking forward to trying it, thank you!! Do you put any shot or anything in the tumbler besides the beads on the wire, the water and the soap????

[hyperT]

Originally Posted by SarahBlue

I am looking forward to trying it, thank you!! Do you put any shot or anything in the tumbler besides the beads on the wire, the water and the soap????

No you don't need anything else