Masher: Grace's Disc Shaper

For those of you who have asked, here is our latest masher tool- Greace's Disc Shaper!

See the new Tutorial by Grey Willow Studios for a detailed tutorial of making a disc bead! 
http://www.greywillow.com/p/using-graces-disc-shaper-from-graceful.html
 
This tool is based using our proven hinge design, which allows a well balanced sprung handle and allows the tool to close parallel. The shaper weighs 7 ozs., each paddle is 1.5 inches square.  A slot accommodates 1/6 inch and 3/32 inch mandrels that have been dipped in bead release. This Multi-tasking tool shapes various thickness of beads- you can shape a cabachon by sliding the mandrel through the slot and flatten the bead agains the bottom OR top paddle only.  For making making discs, one squeeze can instantly and evenly shape the bead.  Gone is the old fashioned method of squeezing the bead repeatedly with tweezers.

We've found it's best to let the bead cool slightly, not molton, so the bead retains it's shape.  Creative lampworkers will find many more uses for this versatile tool!