Item Name:
Stainless Steel Cone Mandrel - 5/8"
SKU:
CONEMANDREL5/8
Description:
The Stainless Steel Cone Mandrel is a stainless steel beadmaking mandrel shaped with a smooth taper that lets you form flared beads, small vessels, and open-form components that cannot be made on a straight mandrel. The cone profile supports building glass into a wider opening, which is ideal for vessel beads and sculptural forms where you want a defined flare or a gradual expansion. Before working, the mandrel is coated with bead release so the finished piece can be removed cleanly after annealing. The 5/8 inch size is a versatile middle option that supports slightly larger vessel openings than the 1/2 inch version while still remaining comfortable for controlled beadmaking and balanced wall thickness.
How it is used:
- Coat the mandrel evenly with bead release and allow it to dry fully before introducing it to the flame.
- Warm the mandrel gradually to reduce thermal shock to the bead release coating.
- Wind molten glass onto the cone and rotate smoothly to keep the glass centered and even.
- Shape the flare by building glass farther up the taper, then refine the rim with gentle heat control.
- Anneal the finished bead or vessel bead, then remove it by twisting and sliding it off the mandrel once cool.
