Can anyone help? I am having trouble getting the beads off the mandrels.

I use the "blue sludge", soak them in water for a while. No go.
Soak them for longer. No luck.
Put them in the freezer for 10 minutes. Still no luck.
Leave them to soak even longer - the mandrels go rusty!

Any tips or tricks galdly received - its so frustrating when the bead you've made looks so nice!

Thanks,

Liz

ok, did you get the bead release in a starter pack because those bead releases are notorious for being stickers. It does sound as if you have tried everything, all I can suggest is grab the mandrel with pliers and put a rubber glove on to try and get it off.

Or...put the mandrel in a vice, put a damp sponge around the bead and twist like your life depends on it, if that doesnt shift it its a plant prop for sure,

I can recommend this stuff though, its what I use and is strong enough to take quite a bit of yanking of the glass but crumbles when its time for the bead to come off.

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I put my beads in soapy water, and the use pilers. IT works most of the time, failing that I employ Dad power!

Hi Liz - I have asked hubby to answer this as he does a lot of lampworking.

The release Tanok mentioned is the one I now use - and I agree that it is a ripper.

But stepping back a second - one of the common causes of a bead sticking is overcooking it whilst its being made - theres a fine line between hot enough for working - and having it a tad too hot - and then running the risk of it grabbing the mandrel.

Of course this is assuming that you have a nice even coating of bead release - not too thick and not too thin - sort of goldilocks "just right"

If you do have one thats decided to grip - try a soak in Vinegar or citric acid (look in the home brew area of the supermarket) - or coffee machine cleaner. Sometimes that will be enough to weaken whats left of the release.

Good luck - hope this helps.

A table-mounted vice is the best way. (I use it for every bead as it keeps me from bending the mandrels, as well.) Once in the vice, use two fingers from both hands to gently rock back and forth, apllying even pressure across the body of the bead. I've lost a few but generally speaking most beads can be removed.

Good luck!

Thanks for the replies.

The Bead Release did come in a starter pack. So, maybe that's my problem. Thanks Tanok.

Bernadette's hubby mentions overcooking the glass. I have also been reading about why I am getting "dirty glass". The reason could be getting it too hot in the wrong part of the flame, which is consistent with overcooking it and making it stick. So, I shall try more patience and higher in the flame. Thanks Bernadette's hubby.

My teacher, Pauline Holt at

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suggested heating up the mandrel more before 'lightly' touching the glass to the mandrel. Again, something to try. Thanks Pauline.

I shall also go for the Fosterfire Bead release once I'm through with the stuff I've already got, since its recommended around the world!

Thanks to all who have replied.

Liz