Holding hot beads

Cheryl · #1 2012-04-21, 10:26am

Hi All,

I would like to make some inside out beads today. I do not have hot fingers to hold them with. Is there something else that will work?

Anyone know the best, least expensive place to pick some up? I do not want to spend a lot in case I am unable to master this technique.

Thanks,
Cheryl

Role · #2 2012-04-21, 10:50am

These are not hot fingers, but it may help inspire
you to make a cheap tool.

Drew Fritts homemade marble tweezers

Addendum:

I forgot, Devardi has really cheap hot fingers ($10-$12):

http://www.devardiglass.com/Marvers.htm

At the bottom of the page.

Cheryl · #3 2012-04-21, 11:33am

Thanks. I am going to give those a try.

menty666 · #4 2012-04-21, 1:03pm

Hot fingers are one of those tools you never knew you really were going to use until you get them. But like many tools, you get what you pay for.

Bunyip · #5 2012-04-21, 8:30pm

Tweezers work, or hemostats are better. Once you finish a side you can just let it air cool and then tweezer up through the hole, tear off your blow tube and finish the hole on that side. Just do all your shaping first, so all that's left is that last bit and you should be ok. I've even finished one with my tungsten poker stuck through the hole, though that was what we like to call "interesting", if you follow me.

Cheryl · #6 2012-04-22, 5:13am

Thanks, never got to try them yesterday. I can't for the life of me work my cheetah torch with any success. Very sad.