Residual Bead Release?

Here's my question. I've noticed that I've developed somewhat of a obsessive-compulsive thing when it comes to bead release in my beads. I find myself spending time getting every possible speck of it out of each and every bead. Beadmakers, are you the same way? Is any amount remaining acceptable or must it all be purged from existance? ;) Now obviously, I don't mean leaving a thick coat of release in there a la chinese lampwork. I just mean, the rare random bit in a groove inside every so often.

Bead buyers, how do you feel about this? If you don't see pristine holes are you offended? Or as long as they are cleaned, you are indifferent? Somewhere in between?

C2

Reply to
*~candygrrl~*
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Cleaning beads is the bane of my existence. But I use a dremel with a diamond bead reamer so they come out really clean. And yes, I'm pretty obsessed with getting it all out.

-Ellen

Reply to
JavaGirlBT

Yes, yes, and no, no amount is acceptable! I usually ream my beads twice. Once after removing from the cooker, to remove all the thick stuff, and a second time before I string them for pictures.

Reply to
Deepwood Art

I'm somewhere in between. I try very hard to get all the bead release out, but if there's a speck of it somewhere that's stubborn, that's okay. Using a diamond bit reamer helps, and soaking the beads in hot water helps, too.

Reply to
Kandice Seeber

I totally crazy when it comes to bead release remains. I like to get every last bit out. To be honest though, it really doesn't take any more effort to get it all out, especially if you're using the proper tools and techniques.

I use a cordless Dremel tool with diam>Here's my question. I've noticed that I've developed somewhat of a

Tink Check here for available work:

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Reply to
Tinkster

It also helps if you're using a bead release that cooperates. I prefer Alice's Bead Release. A close second is Foster Fire.

I have always wanted to try Purple Piffle, just because it's... well, it's PURPLE. And it has a cool name :-)

Seriously though, the Alice's is SO easy to remove: It's nice and clean, easy to mix, and the powder goes a long, long way. We did test of sorts at the Museum, and they have now switched over to Alice's.

Tink Check here for available work:

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Reply to
Tinkster

*puts dremel tool on list of things to buy for Mike*

-Su

Reply to
Su/Cutworks

I'm glad I'm not the only one that has...to...get...it...out!

Well, I used to use a Dremel, then I got an ultrasonic and it worked fantastically well until I switched bead releases. I bent my long diamond reamer bit the other day (haven't found another one yet) and now I'm doing it the hard way and its pi$$ing me off. Maybe I should try Alice's to see if it works in my ultrasonic, because that was a joy unimagined to drop them in there and come back to perfection with no effort on my part, HA!

C2

Reply to
*~candygrrl~*

What a great idea!!! Finally a use for that waterpik I bought and used a few times and now it just sits there.

Thanks,Tink Patti

Reply to
Beadseeker

I have to agree with Tink. I love Alice's it comes out of the hole so easily. I leave mine soaking in water from 1/2 hour to longer. Comes out like a dream. I try to clean it out as much as I can, but if there is a little left, I don't sweat it. Usually it is a little spot left in the middle that is stubborn.

Reply to
Lara

You're very welcome! It works like a DREAM!

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Reply to
Tinkster

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from Tinkster :

]I totally crazy when it comes to bead release remains.

is bead release anything like investment? because getting it out of the pine cones makes me crazy. but i'm a fanatic about getting it out!

Reply to
vj

Take out all the bead release? It depends on what your selling -- a finely finished piece of art/craftsmanship, or a "craft item".

Tina

Reply to
Christina Peterson

I am a bit nutty about getting the bead release out; sometimes I'll take apart a set to clean one bead, if I realize I missed a spot.

-Kalera

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*~candygrrl~* wrote: > Here's my question. I've noticed that I've developed somewhat of a > obsessive-compulsive thing when it comes to bead release in my beads. > I find myself spending time getting every possible speck of it out of > each and every bead. Beadmakers, are you the same way? Is any amount > remaining acceptable or must it all be purged from existance? ;) Now > obviously, I don't mean leaving a thick coat of release in there a la > chinese lampwork. I just mean, the rare random bit in a groove inside > every so often.

Reply to
Kalera Stratton

Well, I don't think I've ever made a "craft item" so I guess I know what I'm doing now ;)

You do have a valid point and that's probably part of why I feel the need to have smooth spotless holes :) I want my work to be the best it can be in every way and in my mind, that includes eliminating bead release! I'm glad I'm not the only one!

C2

Reply to
*~candygrrl~*

Just a warning-- if you DO get any Indian lampwork, leave the release in place if you possibly can. (Most of mine ends up as "tree jewelry", so I can). Most of the Chinese lampwork seems to be clean, as are the Czech, Venitian and Japanese production work. Just soaking those Indian beads tends to cause them to crack-- maybe the expansion of the clay as it absorbs water? Kaytee "Simplexities" on

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Reply to
Kaytee

That's what I figured. So I wonder what it says about me that I really hate the finishing details on my work and have to really force myself to be picky about them?

Tina

Reply to
Christina Peterson

oh, I think maybe it means you love the process and want to get on with pushing the boundries and creating new art! :)

C2

Reply to
*~candygrrl~*

Just soaking those Indian beads tends to cause them to crack-- maybe the expansion of the clay as it absorbs water? Kaytee "Simplexities" on>

More like the bead release is the only thing "holding them together..." LOL

Cheryl DRAGON BEADS Flameworked beads and glass

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Reply to
Cheryl

I want it all out too! I'm cleaning mine out now that aren't even for sale!

I've been doing it by hand though - sounds like the dremel would be much faster.

Reply to
KDK

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