Supplies and advice please

[pattye]

Here's the video Pearl Paradise provided showing the huge South Sea pearls being strung. I've watched it about 2 dozen times at least!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O12P1OaMCe8

I do have to separate the threads and tighten between each pearl as I am still a beginning knotter.

 

[Nora]

Narcissa, I do it by hand using the same diamond coated bits (0.9mm.) in a bit holder. Try not to use force, just do it with a light touch, just rotating. You'll be surprised how well it works.

 

[Kelly]

Dremel, diamond-coated bits (0.9mm), light touch. Got it. Invaluable as I abhor bloodshed.
Seen the video...those puppies look like marbles. I especially like how the ladies are yakking like it ain't no big deal knotting up a stand that's worth -how much is it worth again? Something gross like quarter mil?

 

[Narcissa]

I like the idea of drilling by hand - kinda like being in a traffic jam when you don't know where you're going: plenty of time to look around and make decisions.
Nora, what do you use as a *bit holder*? And is there a shared source for .9mm bits? 1mm was the smallest I found.

I still have 2 unusable pearls w/ tips inside. (and one plugged with superglue)

 

[waimeamomi]

The most important lesson I learned about knotting is to put them all on the thread, and then use the unknotted pearls to tighten the knot. I watched a couple of Youtube videos to see how. I've tried several methods, but for me, the Griffen cards work the best. I find the the silk does not tangle as easy as the other stuff I've used, except for some silk that Sarah sent me, and I never found again (Japanese I think, Sarah??). If it works for you - it works is what I've learned. Remember knots aren't forever!

 

[Nora]

I still have 2 unusable pearls w/ tips inside. (and one plugged with superglue)

I also have a collection of those

You can find bit holders at model shops or even big hardware shops. The bits I use are by Busch - they are not twist drills but diamond covered burrs, I think.