How Do I?

Re: Hotfixing flatback crystals

SeaBeads — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:23:19 GMT

That is a lot of very useful information in a very short timespan. Thanks for sharing.

Greetings from Karin.

Re: Hotfixing flatback crystals

Louweasel — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:58:06 GMT

In case anyone else (in Europe...read on!) has the same issue, it seems to be solved!

I emailed the shop I bought it from and I think we've figured out the problem - it's the old UK/US "two nations divided by a common language", it seems! Here is the reply from the shop:

"The hotfix applicator is an American tool. Re the tip marked 3mm, this actually fits a 2.8mm stone, ie size SS10. For some reason the Americans call SS10 3mm. I will send you a free tip. It is marked 12SS 3.5mm but it actually fits the 3mm stone. According to Swarovski, 12SS is 3mm. Please can you confirm the address you would like it sent to."

So in summary, the tip seemed the wrong size because it was...

Now a less forgiving person might say they should put a notice up in the shop next to the tools and the 3mm hotfix crystals, advising of this, and pointing out the "3.5"mm tips for purchase or indeed adding them to the toolkit. But sod it, my problem is solved and she's sending the suitable tip for free so it's all good.

Re: Hotfixing flatback crystals

Louweasel — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:55:04 GMT

Sorry duplicate post

Re: Hotfixing flatback crystals

Louweasel — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:54:52 GMT

Just as an update, the crystals I am unsuccessful with are 3mm - just tried a 4mm one and the correct tip picks it up perfectly! Just my luck I have five little packs of 3mm crystals and only one of 4mm...grrrrr!

Hotfixing flatback crystals

Louweasel — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:13:24 GMT

Hello there,

I recently got a hotfix rhinestone applicator which I'd wanted for a while, but I'm having a little trouble using it. It's the Kandi Professional Touch. The problem is, I can't seem to pick up the crystals with the tool, so the glue can heat and I can apply the stones. I've read the instructions, checked and re-checked that I am using the right size tip for the stones, and even found an online demonstration video where the lady uses the exact same tool I have, but I simply can't get it to work!

The instructions say apply the tool to the crystal "with a gentle touch" and I do that but it doesn't pick it up. The video recommends tapping the crystal but that doesn't work either. The thing is, I don't really see how it is supposed to pick up the crystal - you've got a metal tip against a crystal, so both surfaces are smooth, dry and totally non-tacky so how could it stick enough to pick up? Is the tip supposed to snap onto/grip around the crystal in some way? It's not doing that, anyway.

I've had some success by placing the crystal onto the picture frame I wanted to stick it to then applying the tool to that to heat it and make it stick, but it's not ideal and would be a pain if i were hotfixing to fabric.

I'm not using bad quality flatbacks either; swarovski only and I even measured them with precise brass callipers to make sure I wasn't mistaking the size. I simply don't know what I am doing wrong - can anyone help?