How to Make Glass Bead Rods

by DeannaB

Overview

Lampwork glass beads are a fun, easy craft, but you are limited by the number of glass bead rods, or mandrels, that you possess. You can save money by making your own bead mandrels instead of purchasing them prepackaged. These rods will work for any hollow core beads you wish to make.
How to Make Glass Bead Rods

Step 1

Measure your steel rods and tape them every 10 to 12 inches.
Step 2

Secure a steel rod to your work surface with your c-clamp or vise grip.
Step 3

Make sure the blade in your hacksaw is able to cut through metal.
Step 4

Saw through the metal rods at the marked points.
Step 5

Repeat until you have divided all of your metal rods into 10-to-12-inch lengths.
Step 6

Remove the tape and file the rough edges smooth.

1
1/8 inch diameter stainless steel rods or tubes Ruler Masking tape File C-clamp or vise grip Hacksaw Metal-cutting hacksaw blades
1/8 inch diameter stainless steel rods or tubes
Ruler
Masking tape
File
C-clamp or vise grip
Hacksaw
Metal-cutting hacksaw blades
Purchase metal rods in a variety of diameters, including 1/16 inch, 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch and more. These will allow you to make beads with varying core diameters. If you don't have a hacksaw, mark your rods with tape and take them to a welding shop. They'll have the tools to quickly and easily cut through the rods. Pipe cutters or metal grinders are two other methods of cutting through your rods.
Purchase metal rods in a variety of diameters, including 1/16 inch, 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch and more. These will allow you to make beads with varying core diameters.
If you don't have a hacksaw, mark your rods with tape and take them to a welding shop. They'll have the tools to quickly and easily cut through the rods.
Pipe cutters or metal grinders are two other methods of cutting through your rods.

References & Resources