Pulling beads (lampwork) using a vise to hold the mandrel
I hate pulling beads.
But this little puppy makes it easier. This is a portable vise – it suctions to a smooth surface – like the kitchen counter – a wipe of water on the suction surface helps enormously, and you can put your mandrel in the jaws and clamp it, and pull the beads without the fear of stabbing someone with the mandrel, the need for a set of vice grips to hold the mandrel – and the aching hands. And shoulders.
Here’s a little video. There is a hole in the jaws that a mandrel fits in, but the 3/16s mandrels are a little small – so clamping those in the jaws directly works better – but the video will give you the idea.
Post time: Sep-09-2017