I was wondering what tools everyone would recommend for cleaning bead release off? either the diamond bead reamer available from tuffnells or would a dremel set up be better?
Gemma
x
Suppose it depends on how many you are going to be doing and whether or not you have the patience to sit and do them. I just use the diamond bead reamer from Tuffnells, and do it all by hand in a bowl of water. Can be time consuming, but works well.
Jude
I like to use the reamer because it is quiet. Much better when I'm sat watching tv and cleaning at the same time.
I've got a dremel too, and it's definitely quicker, but so noisy! I use it when I've been lazy about cleaning neads and have got to get them done. :)
I like the bead core scraper set from Warm Glass. Also, after I changed bead release it has been a lot easier. The one I use now doesn't need much more than water and a pipe cleaner, while my old bead release required a long soak in water and still only came off with a diamond reamer or the bead core scrapers.
noora what bead release are you using now? i'll go take a look at the set from warm glass too!
I use Beady Sams grits, no sore fingers from stabbing with the reamer either ;D
I use these drill bits from warm glass that i jsut put in my drill. I love them and the smaller ones are tiny enough for the really slim bead holes.
http://www.warm-glass.co.uk/Shop/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=952
They have flat ends too so they dont hurt when u drill your self.
Tracy x
Sorry forgot to add that you must do it in water or you will crack your bead and spoil your drill bit....I know you are new so i wasnt sure how much you knew..hope i havent insulted you ;)
Tracy x
I use Jocks grits,
Take bead off mandrel place in warm water.
Dip end of mandrel in water then into jocks.
Clean inside the bead clean with mandrel.
rinse bead in clean water job done.
Have not seen Beady Sam's grits but would guess they work the same.
Dianne ::)
Quote from: chocolateteapot on January 13, 2010, 11:35:08 PM
Sorry forgot to add that you must do it in water or you will crack your bead and spoil your drill bit....I know you are new so i wasnt sure how much you knew..hope i havent insulted you ;)
Tracy x
Absolutely not Tracy, everything is totally new to me, i don't even think i can be classed as a newbie im that bad :P Should be ordering my set up from tuffnells next week though ;D so excited!
Dianne, where do you get jocks grits from?
Dirty Louis user here, awsome bead release, drop the bead into water and remove the mandrel pulling the mandrel removes the release, if there's a tiny bit left then I just ream out with the mandrel! Its even easier with boro beads the release cleans off when you pull the bead off the mandrel, no need for water!
I have some grit too ;D if that helps .... going on site this PM
www.mangobeads.co.uk
Manda
Looked on you site and couldn't find the listing for grits. Where abouts are they?
Everyone else
Tried Beady Sam site but it's closed. What are Jocks grits and where do you get them from? Googled Dirt Louis and no joy other than a video of someone using it.
Quote from: SilverGems89 on January 13, 2010, 01:23:09 PM
noora what bead release are you using now? i'll go take a look at the set from warm glass too!
I use some sort of runny grey stuff that I bought from a local glass and ceramics supplier. I think it's their main supplier's own mix, since it didn't have any specific brand name (it just said "bead release"). The one i used before was a blue thick stuff from Sundance Art Glass in the US.
Manda i looked on your site but didnt see grits either, although your annealing bubbles caught my eye ;D
For now i guess i will be using whatever bead release it is you get from tuffnells with their set ups, but if anyone knows any better ones for the future that would be great! Theres so much choice out there, my head is swimming :o
Gemma...just another quickie...bead release its dangerous stuff..dont inhale the dust..use mask and remove bead release while beads are in water..be safe from the start love..xx
Would a normal dust mask do Tracy? I can "borrow" one of those from work :P
I have just brought a new hobby dremel - really love it x
Quote from: Terri on January 14, 2010, 10:24:30 AM
Manda
Looked on you site and couldn't find the listing for grits. Where abouts are they?
Everyone else
Tried Beady Sam site but it's closed. What are Jocks grits and where do you get them from? Googled Dirt Louis and no joy other than a video of someone using it.
Listing them this afternoon !
terri - its 'dirty looie's' bead release, if you type that into google it comes up :)
i find my tuffnells reamer and sitting in front of the TV very relaxing though, and depending on which starter kit you are going for, a diamond reamer comes with it ;D
I cleaned 104 beads this morning :(
I use a Hobby Dremel and one of these bits, a pack lasts me months
http://cgi.ebay.com/10-Diamond-Coated-Bead-Reamers-Beading-Jewelers-Tools_W0QQitemZ360219105621QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53debb5955#ht_1877wt_958
Quote from: Tracy on January 13, 2010, 11:24:02 PM
I use Beady Sams grits, no sore fingers from stabbing with the reamer either ;D
I have these and find cleaning very therapeutic. I think Manda's will be the same thing?
Gemma. I use a normal dust mask for it and goggles when drilling ..purely cos you never know if a drill bit were to come loose ...wouldnt be pretty..and bits of glass would be a nightmare.
A regular dust mask is fine if your drilling in water. Cos the the water contains the dust. Remember tho that the dusks mask are only good for a short while...read instructions in the pack.
I am looking for a fab mask for when i use silver glass and metals when flaming cos thats dangerous too. But i dont know which is the best one to use. Just trying to make you safe love.
Those diamond bits that Lush (Julie) has put up look brilliant value..but cant tell what diameter they are...better deal than anything i have seen.
Tracy xx
I use Jocks grit too, bought at Flame Off last year (on Dianne's recommendation) and it works a treat.
The top of my tub has the web address www.jocks-glas.com (sorry I don't know how to do a link ::) )
and it was £5 for a 250g tub if that's any help.
Bee
Could you please what is in the bead release dust that makes it dangerous
as there is no hazzard warnings on the pot? ???
Quote from: Lush! on January 14, 2010, 08:10:56 PM
I cleaned 104 beads this morning :(
I use a Hobby Dremel and one of these bits, a pack lasts me months
http://cgi.ebay.com/10-Diamond-Coated-Bead-Reamers-Beading-Jewelers-Tools_W0QQitemZ360219105621QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53debb5955#ht_1877wt_958
Me too and I noticed that they have just reduced the price of them
http://cgi.ebay.com/Diamond-Coated-Bead-Reamer-Jeweler-Beading-10-Piece-Set_W0QQitemZ350309482342QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5190127f66
Kazx
It's the fact that it is clay based that makes it dangerous when it's in it's dust form. The same rules apply when you work with ceramics.
Just out of interest, does anyone know what else is in bead release other than clay?
It took some finding, so here it is, the product safty sheet for bead release,
http://www.yourriogrande.com/downloads/applications/DocumentLibraryManager/upload/701406.pdf
why this stuff does not have a health warning is beyond me ??? ???
this stuff is as bad as asbestos :o
I use a battery operated dremel (not as violent and fast as the plug in one) and do it with lots of water. Another reason to stay away from the plug in one. I just couldn't cope with being electrocuted! I use a Beadreamer thingy and it works a treat and is nice and fast.
Re the dust: water to mix it in outside with a dust mask, water to remove the beads in and more water when cleaning (and then tip it on the garden 'cos we are in drought here in Australia and my soil is sand, so the clay is all good).
The most pertinent bit there is "In moist form non-hazardous" so clean beads under water.
Quote from: Lush! on January 14, 2010, 08:10:56 PM
I cleaned 104 beads this morning :(
I use a Hobby Dremel and one of these bits, a pack lasts me months
http://cgi.ebay.com/10-Diamond-Coated-Bead-Reamers-Beading-Jewelers-Tools_W0QQitemZ360219105621QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53debb5955#ht_1877wt_958
;D bought some for my dremel thank you
Quote from: madpup on January 25, 2010, 07:43:48 PM
Could you please what is in the bead release dust that makes it dangerous
as there is no hazzard warnings on the pot? ???
I have been told that bead release is effectively kiln wash or kiln slip by it's other name. (again my understanding is.. ) that all this is is very runny clay (or Clay + lots of water OR clay suspended in water)
So when it dries and flakes of because it hasn't all been pushed together into a lump it comes of as power and its this power form that makes it so very dangerous when you breath it in. If you work with clay and you are sanding down a piece (before or after firing) you need to do it out side with a mask on, bla bla...
I don't think you get hazzard warning on the clay... In general
If it's not food, don't eat it and if it's not air try not to breath it ;D
oh yeah, I have a plug in dremel that has a long bit on to I can hang it up over the sink far away from the water and still clean the beads in the sink with the water. (washing up liquid and cilit bang)
I think I am going to order me some of those bits from ebay...
Please read before posting your questions
http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/wiki/Cleaning_beads
Hi,
Diamond drill bits must be used with a coolant/lubricant to prevent overheating and to prolong their working life. I use a bowl of water to ream my beads. I use a plug in Dremel with a flex shaft (so there is less risk of dropping the Dremel in the water) and a Flex-Shaft Tool Holder to support the Dremel.
http://www.dremeleurope.com/dremelocs-uk/Product.jsp;jsessionid=1A15712E031C614D27634192379A11A0?&ccat_id=527&prod_id=235
It is cheaper to buy a kit that includes the Dremel and flex-shaft.
Also a set of diamond bits. The set of bits I use are like these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/30-pc-Diamond-Burr-Set-Dremel-etc-/330346378541?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item4cea2db52d#ht_1090wt_913
(never used this site) I get mine from a lapidary club but they are the same ones. Dremels are not cheap but I have had mine a long time and it is very good tool.
I hope this is of some help.
Regards
Quote from: Nick on July 11, 2010, 12:20:53 AM
Diamond drill bits must be used with a coolant/lubricant to prevent overheating and to prolong their working life. I use a bowl of water to ream my beads. I use a plug in Dremel with a flex shaft (so there is less risk of dropping the Dremel in the water) and a Flex-Shaft Tool Holder to support the Dremel.
That is very close to the set up that I have. But I have mine handing from a hook over my sink, so there is no way I can drop it (I'm a bit of a cluts)
I try not to use it for too long though coz it get fuzzy hands ;)
mm, I use a dremel with a flexi shaft in a bowl of water too. If you keep the bead under the water there is no dust involved. You're in more danger when you are taking beads off the mandrel and cleaning up the inevitable bits that fall off. I either hoover up the dust or use a water spry to clean my bench. A word of warning about using a sink...you will eventually have problems with a blocked waste :o
at that point it wil be a really good reason to change the really poopy much hated kitchen
Hi,
I always leave the beads to cool right down and then put them in a jar of water whilst still on the mandrel. I only remove the beads once they have had a soak to eliminate the dust caused when removing them.
Quote from: Krysia on August 22, 2010, 12:17:42 AM
at that point it wil be a really good reason to change the really poopy much hated kitchen
Ah, method in the madness
Quote from: Meagan Lily on August 22, 2010, 11:33:55 PM
Quote from: Krysia on August 22, 2010, 12:17:42 AM
at that point it wil be a really good reason to change the really poopy much hated kitchen
Ah, method in the madness
Oh yes!! A few months a go there was water coming in through the celling. Was MOST disappointed that it didn't bring the celling and damage the kitchen beyond repair.
Only problem with soaking the beads before releasing from the mandrels is that the cats love the taste of the bead water.
Is that why my bead soaking dish seems to evaporate very fast? ::)
You can't beat using grits for cleaning transparent beads. Use your dremel or whatever in the usual way but once the bead is clean you will still see the line through the bead and it can be very distracting or spoil a design completely. If you want to get rid of it dip your wet mandrel in grits from 120 through 3-4 stages down to pumice and rub it up and down. Rinse between stages and you should end up with a sparkly bead. Unfortunately, its a time consuming process and I wouldn't do it on every bead as I'm too lazy - but definately on focals or special bead.
Yes, I do sell a 5 stage system, but thats not why I've mentioned it. You can get grits all over the place. I genuinely believe this is the only way to get a really sparkling clear finish that doesn't draw the eye to the hole rather than the bead.
I remember you telling us about it before Sam (I did buy some but haven't used it yet) Do you still have the pictures that showed the difference between the 'cleaned' bead and the gritted bead?
hahahahahaha. My dog does too!! ???
Quote from: Pat from Canvey on August 23, 2010, 06:50:47 AM
Only problem with soaking the beads before releasing from the mandrels is that the cats love the taste of the bead water.
I bought the electric bead reamer from tuffnells, no instructions just the mini drill thing with a transformer that looks as it can be used for different things because its got lots of different attachments. It also has a voltage gauge on the plug and given that I dont have a scoobie I had to email to ask what setting to put it on. They said just use the voltage thing to increase or decrease the speed. No indication at any point that the bead release which I also got from them was dangerous. Last night I sat at my bench and took each bead and cleaned every scrap of bead release out using the long pointed bit, no water, no mask, no idea I might be doing something wrong
So, for a donut like me, have I got this right?
- cool the bead (doing this in vermiculite, I have a kiln but not plugged in yet, one step at a time!)
- put the bead on the mandrel in water, dissolve the bead release, remove the bead
- soak the bead in water
- use the reamer on the wet bead while its still in water
(I will also have to ask safety questions about my propane but will do that in the right place)
I will get there I'm just a slow learner and this bit wasnt in the book!
Thanks
Helen
yep ..thats about it ;)
dont chuck bead realese down the plug and try not to stab your self !
If you're going to get your kiln up and running, it's probably better not to clean them until after they're annealed. Just in case the vibrations are a bit much for them.
Thank you all for your advice, much appreciated
Helen
Hi, I use a jewellers pendant drill with diamond burrs, I also use an ultrasonic cleaner which gets them really clean and can do 100 at a time easily. www.cooksongold.co.uk have some on offer at the moment I think they are about £30.
Is this the answer to my prayers ... does the ultrasonic cleaner remove the bead release? or do you still remove this but then give them a final clean in the ultrasonic cleaner?
Hi The ultra sonic cleaner used with the proper fluid (I use the seaweed stuff from cooksons) will indeed fetch out bead release it takes about 10 minutes to do a batch, mine has a timer and heater so I just set it off and then do something else, like make more beads. The ultra sonic will often loosen beads stuck on the mandrels too. Hope this helps.
Glyn
this sounds good. I hate cleaning beads. Cooksons have quite a few kinds though varying hugely in price. Which one do you have Glyn?
Cleaning beads is like peeling brussel sprouts or runner beans......ugh!
I use the 2 litre stainless steel model with the heater and timer. Its about 130-150 expensive but a solid bit of kit made for professional use. My sister has the pink 35 quid model which works fine but I don't know how long it will last in a commercial setting. I don't skimp on tools, they are tax deductable after all
Quote from: Glyn Burton on October 11, 2011, 07:31:51 PM
Hi The ultra sonic cleaner used with the proper fluid (I use the seaweed stuff from cooksons) will indeed fetch out bead release it takes about 10 minutes to do a batch, mine has a timer and heater so I just set it off and then do something else, like make more beads. The ultra sonic will often loosen beads stuck on the mandrels too. Hope this helps.
Glyn
Does that mean I take them off the mandrel and just put them in or do I take out some bead release first? (I'd pay good money not to have to clean them at all!)
Will it make transparent beads better in that more release is removed i.e. make the holes less gritty looking?
I have ordered this one
http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Ultra-6050-Ultrasonic-550ml-Tank-prcode-997-1306
and some of the sea clean fluid.
It has a timer and heater but is not very big. I don't see myself ever making large silver items anyway and the capacity should save on the cleaning fluid assuming you have to fill them for every use. I just have to learn how to use it now. I see lots of questions arising in the near future!
If you are going to try a few beads in it Pandanimal, can you let us know how you get on?
Take the beads off the mandrel, plug the machine in fill it with cleaning fluid, put the beads in and switch on come back in a bit and the beads will be clean. Simple as that
Hmmm something else I need to add to the 'I need this' list. I didnt know I needed it but I do now as I really dont like cleaning beads!
I will definitely let you know how it gets on! Fingers crossed I will be able to take "hand cleaned of all bead release" off my listings from now on.
replace it with thoroughly cleaned using ultrasound and carefully inspected! ;D
Ok. Sorry every one but it doesn't work. Not the one I got any way. it gets a very little off but I will still need to hand clean. I used warm water and washing up liquid and warm water and the sea clean fluid. :'(
Glynn what bead release do you use? Maybe that makes a difference? I use fusion from Tufnalls. Maybe I can use it for cleaning CDs!
Thanks, Anouk.
I've just been and bought some :)
Linda x
Quote from: Troll Lover on October 17, 2011, 01:59:31 PM
I use this stuff: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80000158/jocks-beadrelease-remover-50-gram?ref=sr_list_7&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_search_query=jocks&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=
And get clean holes like this: (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6161456477_753d5ed095.jpg)
Is that like the graphite grit? I've some of that but made more of a mess than I would with the battery reamer. Perhaps doing it on the sofa whilst I watch TV isn't the best idea ::) [I think that's the translation for what DH said!].
Quote from: Pandanimal on October 17, 2011, 12:17:15 PM
Ok. Sorry every one but it doesn't work. Not the one I got any way. it gets a very little off but I will still need to hand clean. I used warm water and washing up liquid and warm water and the sea clean fluid. :'(
Glynn what bead release do you use? Maybe that makes a difference? I use fusion from Tufnalls. Maybe I can use it for cleaning CDs!
I guess, without spending a lot on the kind of machine Glynn has, it's just too good to be true for us. Back to the bead remaer :(
Time for an update on the ultra sonic cleaner.
I carried on using it over and over on my beads to see if it just needed longer to get out the release. after about 15 cycles of 480 seconds (The longest setting available on the machine) some of the beads were clean. Mostly the ones with the largest 6mm holes. So kept on going, putting a few in and running it every time I passed it and taking out any that were clean. The last time I used it it started making a funny noise so I turned it off and the water inside had got hotter. There is no heater with the machine though. Oh dear. the water inside wasn't agitating either. So I am sending it back to Cooksons for a refund.
The question in my mind now, of course, is was it faulty from the beginning and so not cleaning properly right from the start?
Not a very useful experiment I'm afraid. Sorry.
he he he, thank you for looking in to it though ;D
Aw and I was hoping your experiment would be successful, thus ending hours of leaning over the sink for me cleaning beads by hand. :'(
Thanks for reporting back though.
I stick the bead reamer bit in a small electric hand held drill and clean with that. Each large bead takes about 10 seconds if that. Dip only the reamer in water, not up to the collett, and dip the bead in water too.
thinking about it today as I was cleaning beads. There is a sanity check that happens with the dremal that most likely would not be as 'stringent' carried out in a sonic tank... The vibration test. Lets face it if the bead can cope with the dremel then it's going to cope with anything after that
I think the sonic tank presents quite a lot of vibration. If it had cleaned well I was gona stick a bead in that I knew had a hair line crack in it to see if it fell apart from the sonics but as it turned out I never got that far. I have to say though that the large 6 mm hole beads did clean up lovely in the end.
interesting... There was one sitting in the local charity shop on Saturday. I very nearly bought it. Might go back next weekend
Oh dear. I've read, reread, and reread this post over the last couple of days, as I hate cleaning my beads!!!! I've always had a huge dislike of files, so cleaning my beads has always resulted in lots of running water to disguise the sound of the bead reamer!!!!
Well, tonight, after looking at the 35 beads made over the weekend, all awaiting cleaning, I decided to throw caution to the wind, flex my credit card, and I've ordered the super duper ultrasonic cleaner that Glyn refered to!!!!
So, here's hoping it works :D
We will be expecting feed back :-)
Will do!
I've just had a despatch notice.....excited now! ;D
;D
I use the battery operated bead reamer from Tuffnels in a bowl of water.....
I think that most of us do it that way in one variation or another ;D
Well, I hate cleaning beads too................so, I bought one of the cheap ultrasound cleaners from Cooksons I have put some beads through, twice, without the cleaner as Cooksons didn't have it in stock and it's not arriving for a week. Result............keep using the Dremel. The holes on some of the beads were clean around the start of the hole but closer investigation showed that they were still full of bead release inside. Now, how many replacement bead reamers could I have bought for the cost of the machine? Oh, I haven't tried it on jewellery yet though and I may give it another go when the cleaner arrives.
Hmmm. My cleaning solution turned up today, so I mixed it according to instructions and put my beads in the ultrasonic (I went for the posh one at £170 inc vat) for 10 mins at 40degrees. They are certainly not clean, but the bead release is very soft and easy to ream out.
However, in the name of research I've just put the cleaner back on for another 25 mins at 60 degrees.......
Will report back later.
First impressions are that its worth using to make the job easier, but probably not worth the £170 price tag!!!!! :-\
Ok, 25 mins later, still no better. Hmmm, waste of £170 I think. Not in the best of moods tonight!!!!!