Why are 4mm rods so much more expensive?

[sparrow]

Just curious......3mm, 6mm, 7mm, 10mm....they're all the same price (sorry, I'm talking clear here!), then 4mm - BAM! I thought I could make do with 3mm, but`4mm are my favourites...............so, why am I shelling out more on what seems an arbitrary measurement? Just curious!

[Ian Pearson]

May I ask where you are getting them from? Depends on quantity. I buy in standard packs, 1500mm long form Smith Scietific Ltd. prices are different there.

Ian

[sparrow]

Hi Ian, I've been quite lazy and checked out the usual suspects for bead makers (even though I don't make beads with them...) so that's Tuffnell (who doesn't have any 4mm at the moment, but when they did, it was twice the price) and Meltinglass (difference between £5 per 250g fo 4mm and £3.50 per 250g for all others) - Off Mandrel is down at the moment, but when I last looked to buy, they pretty much matched Tuffnell's. I suppose I'm just confused as to why one particular thickness should be harder to pull, more work-intensive, etc.

[liquidglass]

Hi Sabine
I can't answer the question, when I purchased all the clear I was amazed that the 4mm was more expensive, I suppose there is more of it per kilo, that may be the wrong answer, I don't know really. I have loads in stock so if you want some please place an order.
K

[sparrow]

I didn't think you were making the price up But the 3mm is the same price as everything else, too.......bizarre. I'll eek out what I have for a little while longer, an then I'll get ready to pounce

[Maria Louisa]

Sabine,
If you want I can bring some for you to the Flame Off.
I wasn't planning on bringing mandrells but I could if anybody wants.
The 4mm are not problem for me, it's my favorite size also.

[sparrow]

Thanks Maria Louisa,

it's not mandrels I'm after, but borosilicate glass rods