Beadrollers with Boro?

Bobeche · #1 2011-01-03, 3:10pm

I am struggling to use my beadrollers with boro, but I have seem some folks say that they are able to do so. I'm wondering if anyone can give me tips?

I am using a pandora-hole size round bead roller. It's mostly the ends that are giving me fits - I just can't get them perfectly even. The boro cools so quickly when it hits the roller! I have found it to be slightly easier as the roller heats up. Any other tips would be much appreciated!

e. mort · #2 2011-01-03, 4:01pm

Boro chills very quickly, so you have to work very fast.

Bobeche · #3 2011-01-04, 11:17am

Thx, Eric. I'm sure it is the quick chill that's making it difficult. Anyone else have any experience with this?

ginkgoglass · #4 2011-01-04, 11:19am

I don't have a bead roller, but I've noticed with presses that I have to get it very hot and press quickly. It may even take a couple of presses to get it right so rolling it a few times may work the best.

RuskinDesigns · #5 2011-01-04, 11:24am

I use the bead rollers and it takes a little getting used to but it can definitely be done. Patience, try, and then repeat. I use mostly the jumbo disc roller and then the pandora variety roller. I really want to try the ribbed rollers.

framerak · #6 2011-01-04, 11:58am

I'm having the same problem. I'm using the ribbed bead rollers and finally gave up and just use it with soft glass. My patience runs out and frustration sets in pretty quickly.

blr2449 · #7 2011-01-04, 1:44pm

I, too, have trouble using the bead rollers with boro. Glass cools too quickly. I use them exclusively for soft glass.

Bobeche · #8 2011-01-04, 3:53pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ginkgoglass

I don't have a bead roller, but I've noticed with presses that I have to get it very hot and press quickly. It may even take a couple of presses to get it right so rolling it a few times may work the best.

Hi Lana, Day 3, still no success

I am always able to make presses work with boro as well... I am wondering if I ought to throw in the towel with the roller and try Zoozii's pandora charm box press instead. My only goal is a nice, centered bead on a 3/16" mandrel for coring.....

Bobeche · #9 2011-01-04, 3:55pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by RuskinDesigns

I use the bead rollers and it takes a little getting used to but it can definitely be done. Patience, try, and then repeat. I use mostly the jumbo disc roller and then the pandora variety roller. I really want to try the ribbed rollers.

Hi Jodie,

I have wondered if it might be easier with another roller that is not for BHBs. I would love to try the ribbed as well...
thx!

Bobeche · #10 2011-01-04, 3:57pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by blr2449

I, too, have trouble using the bead rollers with boro. Glass cools too quickly. I use them exclusively for soft glass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by framerak

I'm having the same problem. I'm using the ribbed bead rollers and finally gave up and just use it with soft glass. My patience runs out and frustration sets in pretty quickly.

I have considered breaking out the soft glass for these, but it's been so long, I'm sure I'd end up with a pile of fugly puddles ! lol

kirrakat123 · #11 2011-01-04, 4:33pm

Hi, I sucessfully use the donut bead roller with my boro glass. It
does take a couple of goes to get it right. I think you are making it
harder by useing The Pandora bead roller. I have trouble with boro
Pandora style beads, even without useing a bead roller. With a
Pandora bead there is alot of glass & only a limited area of contact
between the mandrel & boro glass, so there is difficulty.

Rose · #12 2011-01-04, 5:26pm

I've used the ribbed roller with boro. It does take several heat and rolls. I haven't done it enough to actually make a set yet as so far the colors just aren't bright enough to make it worth it. I still want to play with it a bit more before I decide if I want to keep it.

Bobeche · #13 2011-01-04, 5:33pm

Rose,
Are you using a regular sized mandrel, then? 1/8" or something? Would live to see when you are done!

C-Ann · #14 2011-01-04, 5:50pm

I would love to see some boro examples with the bead roller too if anyone has some to share.

beybey · #15 2011-04-12, 4:40pm

Does heating the bead roller help any?

tweeky clothespin · #16 2011-04-13, 7:45am

Quote:

Originally Posted by beybey

Does heating the bead roller help any?

I can only speak from my experience, but yes, it helps. I often hold mine under the flame to sort of warm it up a bit. That way the graphite doesn't seem to suck the heat out of the glass so fast.

Angie09 · #17 2011-04-13, 7:59am

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-Ann

I would love to see some boro examples with the bead roller too if anyone has some to share.

Here are a few made with the ribbed chunky donut, chunky donut and barrel. I use the beadrollers for both soft and boro .... just gotta get boro LOTS hotter and build it up as you go.

JesterGlass · #18 2011-04-14, 4:47am

I haven't used the bead roller, but when I'm using an optic mold to do boro millis, I keep it in the kiln until I'm ready to use it.

blr2449 · #19 2011-04-14, 5:12am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angie09

Here are a few made with the ribbed chunky donut, chunky donut and barrel. I use the beadrollers for both soft and boro .... just gotta get boro LOTS hotter and build it up as you go.

I do the same and have gotten results with both the regular and ribbed rollers.

BellaBean · #20 2011-04-14, 6:02am

I use my rollers with boro all of the time. After getting the basic shape, I don't reheat the whole bead, just parts of it. Heat the top, then roll. Heat the bottom, then roll. Heat the middle, then roll.