Getting started FAQ

[Polly]

Bare Minimum:
Tools:  <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=17704" target="_blank">Beader's Delight Pliers[/url]

Basic:
Book: <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=16395>Findings & Finishings[/url] by Sharon Bateman
Work Surface and/or Storage:
 - <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=M&resultCnt=10&keyword=stringing+board>Stringing Board[/url] or <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=17600" target="_blank">Beading Mats[/url] or even a towel
 - <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=M&resultCnt=10&keyword=storage>Storage Containers/Trays[/url] (This is my new personal favorite! -- Aug 2009)
Tools:  
 - Pliers - <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=M&resultCnt=10&keyword=chain-nose+plier>Chain-nose[/url] (an R&T favorite: <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=17767>69-098[/url]) or <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=M&resultCnt=10&keyword=flat-nose+plier>Flat-nose[/url] (Staff Choice: <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=17571>65-336[/url])
 - Cutters - <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=17575>65-506 Economy Cutters[/url] or <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=17576>65-507 Heavy-duty Flush Cutters[/url]
 - Misc - <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=M&resultCnt=10&keyword=bead+stopper>Bead Stoppers[/url] to prevent accidental spills from partially-strung items.
 - Misc - <a href="http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=10>BEADS!![/url]


Related FAQ: A short starter list for Beadweaving.

[Polly]

Which clasp should I use? -- this short page is packed full of suggestions and product links.

More links and FAQs coming soon.

--Polly

Can I use crimp covers on the bangle bracelets? '>

[Russ Nobbs]

Sorry, bbarker, I don't understand the question. Which bangle bracelet are you asking about.

[Polly]

Are you checking to see if crimp covers can be used on the loops of these bangle bracelets with loops?

I think so ... the crimp covers are 3mm, and the outer diameter of the loops is about 2.5mm.  We can check and post our results.  But to make sure that we're checking with the same mix of materials/methods that you're using ... What else are you putting on the loops?

I am looking for some fancy sturdy Head pins. More like wanting to make add a bead pendants. I have a lot of lampwork beads I want to do this for. But most things I have found are not quality headpins. Can some one help me with a link or a place where I can look. Thank you in advance for your help.

[Metalman]

My first thought is to discuss wire gauge. This is the weight or thickness of the wire of the head pin.  We have 21 gauge ones which we call a standard size, the thinner ones being 22 gauge [.635 mm, for smaller bead holes]
If you need heavier, you should get the weight or gauge of wire that will work for your purpose.
If you take the wire and hold it end down you can 'ball' the end of the wire with a torch.  This works well on the thinner gauges but is sometimes irregular on the thicker gauges of wire.  This is a function of the thickness of wire, the heat of the torch and the surface tension of the molten metal.
hope this helps

[Polly]

Update -- something like a head pin for lampworked beads DOES exist now:  Bead Bars. The bead bars that we stock, are custom designed for lampworked beads made on a 3/32" mandrel (approx. 2.4mm).

If you click into the "details" for a product, it will normally list the other products that work with it.  
For example, TierraCast's bead bars are designed to also work with their bead caps, spacer beads, and bails, to create a nicely finished pendant in just seconds, showcasing your handmade focal bead.  

There are also changeable bead bars.