Removing Boro from a Mandrel?

[trevinoblanquetglass]

Hi everyone,

I recently tried creating a boro cross using a mandrel. Now that's it's finished, the cross won't come off of the mandrel!! I made sure to use bead release but that didn't help. I tried soaking and freezing it but nothing is working. Anyone have any tips besides taking a hammer to it. ;-)

Also, I guess I should ask how other people work with boro on mandrels. Is there a special bead release used? Do you stick it in a kiln afterwards or use vermiculite? If kiln, what temp setting do you use it at?

Sorry for the multiple questions but I really want to figure this out. The cross didn't turn out bad so I'm anxious to get to it!

Thanks!!

[Sundaisy]

That's a real bummer that it's stuck to the mandrel. What release did you use? One thing I can think of is soaking it in viniger mixed with water for a bit. When I do boro I use the blue bead release that I get from arrow springs or the fire foster smooth and tough. I put all my glass work directly into the kiln. However I do have friends that will put boro work into a fiber blanket or even just lay stuff out and then batch anneal at a later date.

Hope that helped some. Would love to see the cross!