In our shop, we understand the passion behind the fascinating craft of glasswork. Our FAQ page has been specifically designed to provide you with informed answers to the most common questions you may have about tools.
What is lampwork?
Lampwork is a technique for working with glass in which objects such as glass beads, pendants, marbles or small sculptures are created by moulding glass rods. The glass is heated to melting temperature and then shaped using tools and hand movements. The term “lampworking” goes back to the historical tradition of using oil lamps or candles as a heat source to melt and mould glass.
Which mandrel guide do I need for my mandrels?
The mandrel guide should be slightly larger than the mandrel you have selected in order to provide sufficient space for the release agent. This means, for example, that you need a 3 mm mandrel guide for a 2.4 mm mandrel, a 3.8 mm mandrel guide for a 3.2 mm mandrel and a 6 mm mandrel guide for a 5 mm mandrel. If you are unsure which mandrel guide you need, please send us a short message to info@lampwork-tools.de.
How do I prepare the mandrels?
The mandrels should be free of grease, otherwise the release agent may not adhere well. The best way to clean the mandrels before first use is to use steel wool and soap.
What is a release agent?
The release agent is a substance used in lampwork and glass bead making to prevent molten glass from sticking to the mandrel. When making glass beads, artists usually wrap or mould the molten glass around the mandrel. If the glass were to stick to the mandrel, it would be difficult to remove the finished bead from the mandrel without damaging it. The release agent forms a barrier between the mandrel and the molten glass. This allows the glass bead to be easily removed from the mandrel once it has been moulded and cooled.
General information about our cabochon discs and mandrels
Our cabochon discs and mandrels are equipped with an M2.5 thread. Despite the use of high quality stainless steel for all our discs and mandrels, the M2.5 thread does not allow excessive force to be applied when tightening the discs onto the mandrel and when loosening them. We recommend, especially for discs with a diameter of 25 mm or more, that care is taken not to overtighten the discs, as this can lead to breakage of the threaded pin.
What is the difference between tools made of brass and graphite? Which material is better suited for which tools?
Our tools are made from both graphite and brass, and each material has its own unique properties. Both materials stand for outstanding quality and enable the creation of excellent glass beads. The choice between a graphite or brass mould ultimately depends on the specific requirements and personal preferences of the artist. We try to answer this question by drawing on our own experience and the experience of thousands of customers. This question is particularly relevant for two types of lampwork tools: bead rollers and bead presses.
Bead roller made of graphite or brass: In most cases, the glass glides better in a graphite bead roller than in a brass bead roller. However, this is less relevant for simple shapes such as round beads or drops. This is why we only have a few brass bead rollers in our range.
Bead presses made of graphite or brass: Here we have noticed that artists often only choose between the two materials based on personal preference. Some artists prefer brass presses because they are more robust. Other artists work exclusively with graphite presses because:
– there are less cold shock marks and the press does not have to be intensively preheated,
– the glass does not stick to the graphite and therefore less attention needs to be paid to the temperature of the glass,
– some glass artists have the feeling that graphite presses are “softer” with the glass.
We were the first to develop and introduce graphite presses more than 10 years ago. At the time, we were surprised ourselves that graphite presses made working with glass much easier for certain bead shapes. Since then, we have developed more and more graphite presses and are proud that thousands of glass artists in more than 50 countries are using our tools.
Generally speaking, graphite tools are much lighter than brass tools. While weight is less relevant for a bead press, it can be very important for a bead roller when working for longer periods of time. As mentioned above, a glass artist’s personal preference ultimately plays a decisive role in the choice of material for the tool.
How do I care for graphite tools?
Graphite is a material that is used in the manufacture of glass beads due to its special properties. When caring for graphite tools, it is important to consider a few aspects. Although graphite is robust, the tools should be protected from hard knocks or impacts to prevent cracks. Residues are best removed gently with a damp, soft cloth.
What is the difference between a bead press and a bead roller?
Bead presses and bead rollers are both tools that are used for shaping glass beads. The difference between a bead press and a bead roller is that the mandrels are practically rolled with the glass into the moulds of the bead roller. A bead roller is therefore particularly suitable for spherical moulds. A bead press, on the other hand, is used to press the hot glass into the desired shape. Bead presses make it possible to create many specific shapes, such as square and round, and offer a variety of other possibilities. They are also ideal for creating larger beads.