Coldworking Options for Beadmakers

Coldworking Options for Beadmakers

For the beadmaker, effective coldworking can expand artistic options, change transparency and the form itself, highlight specific aspects of a design and minimize others, and remove errors left by the flameworking.

I will begin with an abbreviated presentation about my own work and processes. Then, I will

demonstrate seven separate options for coldworking in a home studio setting, five of which are low tech and affordable.

1. Using a six-wheel lapidary lathe to carve, refine, and polish

2. Using a diamond flat lap

3. Using diamond saws with small objects

4. Hand lapping with loose silicon carbide grit

5. Using embedded resin wheels with a flexshaft

6. Jigs to assist in diamond drilling with flex shaft

7. Working with UV and epoxy adhesives