Tool manuals. Rollerballs

Hello dear readers! We are starting to translate manuals on using tools for lampwork.

These articles will be useful to those who are just getting acquainted with the world of glass and flame. But even if you are already an experienced master, perhaps you will find something new and interesting in these lessons.
First in line will be a tutorial on using rollerballs using the example of the Beehives rollerball. You can find similar molds in our store at link.
So, let’s go!

Первым делом прогреваем сепаратор на мандрели. Затем набираем в огне каплю нужного размера, наносим на мандрель (Рис. 1-3).

Rice. 1

Rice. 2

Rice. 3

We begin to form a bead. Typically, the bead is shaped like a donut. Это означает, что стекло опирается на узкую поверхность мандрели, и диаметр ее больше, чем у круглой бусины (Рис. 4).

Rice. 4

When forming beads in a roller, first use a larger mold than is necessary for the amount of glass you took (Fig. 5).

Rice. 5

Heat the bead until red and place it in the roller on each side until a uniform round shape is obtained, as shown in the picture. Then move on to a smaller form (Fig. 6).

Rice. 6

Then heat the ball again and roll it in the roller. Roll the hot bead several times until the desired shape is achieved. The bead is almost ready. All that remains is to polish it in the flame of the burner (Fig. 7-8).

Rice. 7

Rice. 8

For grooved beads, we recommend rolling the beads once again in a roller as the final touch, since the relief may be disturbed by fire polishing (Fig. 9).

Rice. 9

The bead is ready! We leave it in a muffle furnace for firing or put it in a ceramic blanket.

If you have any additions or questions, we welcome your comments below the article.

The manual is taken from the website www.perlenpresse.de. We express special gratitude to the author of the manual, Oleksandr Borisovich Ornes, for his cooperation.