One of the tools tried out in the last session of the Jewelry Design class was the Bead Spinner. This tool provides a quick easy way to string seed beads on thread or beading wire without the eyestrain or handling of individual beads. Once you master the technique it is very fast!
I tried out 2 different spinner models - below is my review of each one.
I tried out 2 different spinner models - below is my review of each one.
The Darice Battery-Powered Bead Spinner was the first one I tried. It looked like a great value since it comes with 3 bowls and lids plus 2 curved needles and a spool of thread. I worked with it for about one hour using seed beads and cut bead tubes.
I found it to be very noisy - to the point of being annoying. It was awkward stopping and starting the bowl while also handling a needle full of beads. And once the quantity of seed beads started to decrease it became more difficult to pick up beads, because the bowls are very wide.
Overall - I give this model a Thumbs Down.
I found it to be very noisy - to the point of being annoying. It was awkward stopping and starting the bowl while also handling a needle full of beads. And once the quantity of seed beads started to decrease it became more difficult to pick up beads, because the bowls are very wide.
Overall - I give this model a Thumbs Down.
The Beadalon Spin-and-Bead Junior was my second test product. It is made of wood, with a bowl set on top of a wooden base.
The first thing I noticed was that this spinner is SILENT - ahhh the peace and quiet was welcome.
The bowl is narrower than the Darice spinner bowls. This has a great advantage because when the quantity of seed beads decreased, the needle kept picking up beads.
The needle seemed to have a sharper tip which made it easier to pick up beads. And since I controlled the speed of the bowl I could affect how many beads were picked up on the needle.
My only complaint was the rough spots inside the bowl. But after a couple minutes of hand sanding with medium and fine grade sandpaper the problem was fixed.
My only other complaint is that I would have liked to get a 2nd needle as a backup.
I am keeping this tool in my studio and give it a big THUMBS UP.
The first thing I noticed was that this spinner is SILENT - ahhh the peace and quiet was welcome.
The bowl is narrower than the Darice spinner bowls. This has a great advantage because when the quantity of seed beads decreased, the needle kept picking up beads.
The needle seemed to have a sharper tip which made it easier to pick up beads. And since I controlled the speed of the bowl I could affect how many beads were picked up on the needle.
My only complaint was the rough spots inside the bowl. But after a couple minutes of hand sanding with medium and fine grade sandpaper the problem was fixed.
My only other complaint is that I would have liked to get a 2nd needle as a backup.
I am keeping this tool in my studio and give it a big THUMBS UP.