Home   >   Daily Wire Jewelry Tips   >   Mandrels

Mandrels

By on October 27, 2014
Print Friendly

by Judy Ellis, Wire-Sculpture.com

Product Feature for the Week of October 27, 2014

This week we wanted to feature a few products that help you form and shape – Jewelry Mandrels

Form and shape your rings, bracelets and necklaces to just the right size with jewelry mandrels. We have 19 different mandrels for you to choose from. Check your tool box today. Are you missing any of these essential jewelry sizing mandrels? If so pick up one (or more) today and complete your wire jewelry work bench.

If your just getting started you may ask yourself: Do I need a mandrel? What is it? How do I use it? How do I pick one? Those are some common questions, and here is some information that will help you sort it out.

What is a Mandrel?
A mandrel is any object that is used to form, size or shape the jewelry you are making. You can use “found objects” of a proper size and shape for your project, or you can purchase mandrels. Here’s a bit of a run-down.

FOR SIZING RINGS OR BRACELETS – If you are making rings or certain kinds of bracelets (not strung or linked), you need a mandrel, or a set of mandrels, in sizes that match common ring or bracelet sizes. A ring mandrel will help ensure that your ring starts out, and stays, the size you want it to be when finished. It will also help you make sure it stays round, so it will feel comfortable.

FOR JUMP RINGS – If you are going to make chain maille and cut your own rings, you will want at least one set of jump ring mandrels, and perhaps more

The Basics:

Step and Oval Mandrels:

STEPPED VERSUS SLOPED MANDRELS – The advantage of the sloped kind is that it is more readily available, and sometimes less expensive than a stepped mandrel.

WOOD, STEEL OR PLASTIC? – If you decide to invest in a stepped mandrel it will likely be more expensive because those are generally made of steel. These are good because you can actually pound on them if necessary while you are making your piece. Plastic or wood are O.K. too for certain uses.

A few additional types:

For more information on how to use Mandrels, take a look at our DVDS and our Wire Jewelry Instructional Books.

Pick up your Jewelry Mandrels today!

Happy Wrapping!

Click to Receive Daily Tips by Email