Chunky Rods - where to get them?

[babyshoes]

I'm finding that many of the standard Effetre rods seem quite skinny, and if I'm making a medium to large bead I can end up using up most of a rod. I've seen chunkier rods in youtube tutorials and in some of the demos at FO, but can't seem to find any to buy. I bought some 10mm 006 clear from the Tuffies stand and contemplated getting some 004, but didn't spot any other fat rods in 104 at the FO. Looked to me like boro rods tend to come in larger sizes, but not the soft glass, unless I missed something obvious.

I'd like to get some chunkier rods in colours I use a lot of like white and ivory if they are available to ship from the UK, and not stupidly expensive compared to the standard sizes - anyone got any tips?
Am I better off sticking with the skinnier rods for some reason? I'm on a minor, sure it would manage to melt rods of 10mm or so - don't mind if it's a bit slow, I'm not on a timer!

[Trudi]

Why not ring or email  Tuffers or Off-Mandrel - they may be able to help you!!!

[Angie]

The only problem I find with my thicker plowden and Thompson rods or any other thicker rod is that they need to be warmed more carefully before using, especially the shocky colours. I have wasted no end of thick rods when they have cracked off. I always go for thinner rods and use a rubber band to hold 3 or 4 together in the flame for a large bead.

[Trudi]

Top tip!!

[ARBeads]

I think it was Kristina Logan who took one rod folded it in the middle then puntyed the bend onto a single rod. Making it easier to hold than multiple rods. May be worth a try and a lot less shocky than them thick rods.

[Kalorlo]

Yup, I have thicker rods in some colours - I've got all the diameters listed of what I have on www.lauscha.co.uk. Obviously doesn't help if you're after Effetre ivory, though! Martin does sometimes have bigger rods, but most beadmakers prefer smaller ones, so...

[Kaz]

I don't quite understand why you feel the need for thick rods. At the en of the day it's sold by weight so no difference in price and the thinner rods melt more quickly and tend to be less shocky?
Kazx

[Jennie Lamb]

Well I like Kaz am curious??  I tend to make bigger beads usually between 2.5 and 5cm and don't understand why you are finding the rods to small?  I nearly always use the thinner rods as the large ones are too shocky unless you have a rod warmer and for beads are not as easy to control application and as has been said earlier in the thread if I need a slightly thicker rod I strap two together!   

That said I do use the thicker for mini paperweights so if you are planning paperweights or marbles or having a go at a Lucio sculpture that would be the way to go?!  I know Martin lists the rods he has in the larger sizes on the website and probably doesn't bring them all to FO as I assume there is a limited demand...... I have a stash of 006 which they seem to stock regularly in the larger size and some other coloured transparents and the odd opaque all from Tuffnells.  If you email them once they are back on track after FO I am sure they will tell you what they have and will be happy to help. 

[babyshoes]

I guess it's impatience that's made me think thicker rods would be better to get glass onto the mandrel all in one go, and not get finger burningly short so quickly - but having played with the fat clear ones today, I have indeed found them to be quite shocky - so it takes just as long or longer to warm them up properly!
I found it was nice for a big gather as the start of a pendant and for encasing. I will probably just stick with the normal rods for other colours though, at least for the moment. Maybe if I ever get a good rod warmer I will think again!

Thanks for the comments and advice, it is much appreciated!

[Trudi]

Thinner rods will melt faster .....

[KatheL]

Berlinbeads.de has them in a variation of sizes. I like the chunkies too!  Just remember to preheat them, or else...!
Kathe, Denmark