Creating beaded jewelry and accessories has long been an enormously popular hobby. Craft stores throughout the country feature a large selection of beads. Meanwhile jewelry makers and turners create their own unique beads and jewelry accessories in their shops and studios.

At PSI we're are proud to introduce an exciting new line of beaded crafts; we've adapted some of our most popular turning kits into beading projects. These projects can be decorated with a large variety of beads - either turned by the wood turner or purchased by the beading enthusiast.

Economical and practical - keychains make a great gift or craft show item. It has a 2.5mm diameter stem instead of a brass tube, so you can decorate the project with large hole beads or turned beads. So whether you're a turner or beading hobbyist you will now be able to enjoy making a whole new genre of beaded accessories with our unique beading kits.
How to make beads on your lathe
You can make beads out of any small wood or acrylic spindle blank. Use a pen blank (a minimum of 3/4" square) or cut your wood into a small spindle 3/4" x 3/4" x 3" to 5" long. The blank should be square and straight for best results. A 1/8" hole is slightly larger than 2.5mm will be appropriate for bead kits.

1) Drill through the center of the end of the blank with a 1/8" bit as deep as possible. Use a pen blank centering jig (#DRILLCENT3) for best results.
2) Grip and mount in a lathe chuck with the drilled hole towards the tailstock.
3) On the tailstock end, mount a large live center. Press into 1/8" hole.
4) Turn on your lathe, turn your beads starting at the tailstock end to a profile of your choice
5) You may turn several beads through the length of the drilled hole- be careful not to cut into the center hole.
6) Finish the bead profiles with sandpaper and a finish of your choice.
7) Carefully part of the beads. Sand and finish the hole ends off the lathe.
8) Remove the blank from the chuck and continue to drill through and turn it per the previous steps.

Keychain Chrome Beading Kit Specifications

Keychain Chrome Beading Kit Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review: 1 Reviews

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Beaded Keychain

Reviewer: Madge Zanolini (Puyallup, WA)
Submitted: 9.29.2009

Very pleased with quality of product and the finished piece. They will make lovely gifts. Very easy to assemble and a speedy delivery. Thanks