Black Swamp Glassworks
Hollow Mandrel Tips From Tink
Here are a few pointers for using your new hollow mandrels. Please do be careful!
Flameworking can be quite dangerous, as can the use of hollow mandrels. Please read the
Limitation of Liability statement at the bottom of this sheet before using these mandrels. If you
don’t agree to be bound by it, I will gladly refund your money upon my receipt of the unused
mandrels.
BEWARE! All efforts have been made to provide you with a safe and smooth hollow mandrel. As careful as we
have been, we ask that you check your mandrels for rough spots and burrs before using and that you eliminate any
rough spots with sandpaper before using. Also, moisture inside the tube, either from washing or from wet bead
release may cause steam to shoot through the tubing. Please do not put wet mandrels in the flame!
Now, on to the GOOD stuff!
• Scrub mandrels with SOS or other soap-loaded steel wool pad before using the first time.
This serves the dual purpose of ridding the steel of production oils and roughing up the
surface just a little bit.
• Let dry completely, inside and out, before dipping in bead release. You can use canned
air to help this process along.
• I use Alice’s bead release. It’s just my personal preference. I have also used Foster Fire
with good success.
• Do not double dip. I have found that a single coating of bead release works best.
• Hold your thumb over the top hole when dipping mandrels. You only need to dip about
the first inch or inch and a half.
• Dip, then blow gently through the tube to make sure the end isn’t sealed with release.
• Allow the dipped mandrel to dry thoroughly before using. I recommend a can of sand or
something similar to store them until use.
• Clean the mandrels inside and out after every use. You can use a 3/32” or 1/8” mandrel to
quickly chip the release from the inside of the tube. Blow through tube to expel all
release residue.
• These mandrels can be used for either large hole beads or blown vessels.
• The vessels made with these mandrels will accept a size 00 cork.
• Use a Dremel® diamond burr and water to clean the bead release from the neck of your
vessel. A Waterpik® is perfect for cleaning the inside of vessels!
• If you decide to quench a work-in-progress while it’s hot, make certain you hold your
thumb over the hole in the mandrel. Failure to do so could result in a column of steam
shooting up the mandrel, injuring you!
Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions you may have. Enjoy, have fun and be
careful!
Warranty and Limited Liability Statement
Black Swamp Glassworks’ liability is strictly limited to replacement of parts due to defects in materials or
workmanship under normal use, for a period of three (3) months from date of shipment to Customer. Replacement
cost is our sole warranty. Black Swamp Glassworks may provide technical advice regarding the use of its products.
At no time shall the rendering of such advice in any way expand, diminish or otherwise affect Black Swamp
Glassworks’ warranty as expressly defined here. Black Swamp Glassworks disclaims liability for consequential or

other damage, and we make no other warranty, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for
particular use.