I am ordering some more mandrels the ones in my starter kit are 9 inches are the 12 inches better or is it just a prefernce thing
Maureen

prefrence, it's all down to what lenght you are comfortable using

Hmm, I've always been told that diameter is more important than length

Steady girls....steady.

Maureen, mandrels tend to get bent over time so if you have a 12 inch you can lop the bent bit off and still have a fair sized mandrel, it would mean your a bit further away from the flame to begin with.

I started off on 1/16 size but I much prefer the 3/32 now, they are far sturdier and give roomier working holes

Hope that helps

I like the 1/16 holes best for little beads, but for big beads (1 1/2 Inches), the 3/32 are better.

From what I've been told by jewellery designers, they prefer the smaller holes.

It's all down to the individual, so go with what your comfortable with.

Jeanette

Hi

I would be more concerned about the diameter - the length does not worry me.

I have a large variety of diameters - I use the small diameter for beads that go on headpins, slightly larger for most beads (I find them easier to use) and of course larger for other things!

Sorry, not very helpful!

Karen