Round/Oval Bead Roller Instructions

Round/Oval Bead Set Instructions

Bead Roller Components
The base unit: The largest part has three channels, one for each of the bead sizes. The 18mm channel has 3 dots on it, the 16mm has two dots, and the 13mm has one dot. The dots identify which roller top to use in each chamber. Oval roller tops are used in the base unit also.

The top units: Each round roller top has a ridge that runs along the top from the handle to each end, and the identifying 1, 2, or 3 dots on it. The two oval tops are marked with either one dot or three dots. Use them in the channel of the base with the same number of dots. A bead can be formed with either oval roller top in any of the three channels that the top will fit in but a more perfectly shaped oval will result when used in the channel with the same radius (same number of dots).

Measuring Clay
Accurate clay measuring is the key to rolling perfect beads. The measuring method outlined below requires the use of the roller tops for the round beads, a clay blade, and a ruler.
1. Pick up a round roller top of the size round beads you wish to roll and hold it upside down.
2. Pack the top with well-conditioned clay, filling it completely and packed tightly.
3.Caution: clay blades are sharp, can cause personal injury, and are not intended for use by unsupervised children. Always hold a clay blade by its dull edge, cut away from yourself, and keep fingers clear of the blade.
4. Mark the clay by pressing a ruler with raised 1/16" increments into the clay leaving the increment marks in the clay. Note: If you do not have a ruler with raised increments, use any ruler. Hold the ruler alongside the clay filled channel and mark the lengths needed by marking only the surface of the clay. Remove the clay, and then cut the lengths at the marks.
5. Below are charts for measuring clay for both round and oval beads. Measure clay for round beads using its respective roller top. Clay for ALL oval sizes are measured in the 13mm size round roller top.

Round Bead Clay Measuring
Size of Bead 13mm 16mm 18mm	Clay Length 3/4" 1" 1"
Oval Bead Clay Measuring
Top (No. of Dots) 1 1 1 3 3	Chamber (No. of Dots) 1 2 3 2 3	Clay Length 3/8" 5/16" 1/4" 3/4" 1/2"

Rolling Beads
1. Cut the clay to the length that is recommended in the chart above for the size beads that you wish to make. Hand shape measured clay into a ball. Place ball of clay in the center of the channel of the base. Be certain the base chamber has the same number of dots as the round roller top used for measuring when making round beads.
2. Place the round roller top centered over the clay and move the top back and forth to shape the bead. The stroke length needs to be no longer than an inch or two. Move only until bead is formed. Rapid, long strokes are unnecessary and could be detrimental to success.

Curing
Carefully pierce beads with a sharp object such as a toothpick or needle tool. Place on a non-metal surface and bake at the temperature recommended by clay manufacturer. Option: AMACO also makes a Bead Baking Rack that includes bead piercing pins. Simply pierce the beads and suspend on the rack for baking.

Cleaning
Baby oil or mineral oil on a soft cloth or paper towel is recommended to clean your rollers as needed. Always wipe dry after cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.