I may never complete this project, so here the first working version of Bead-O-Matic. There are a lot of things that need to be edited. But this is the quick and dirty final draft.
Fill it up with beads.
Gently tap the top.
Insert your needle.
Have fun, I guess?
That looks handy for people that have that hobby.
Note make the same thing for friendship bracelets and you make friends with all the Swifties.!
Oh, cool! Does it require a somewhat oblong bead so the beads don’t end up sideways? I think most seed beads are of that shape. So, you need one for 15/0’s, one for 11/0’s, one for 8/0’s and one for 6/0’s, right?
I’ve only used it with 8/0 seed beads. But I’m sure it would work with slightly bigger or smaller beads. They don’t need to be weirdly shaped to work. Gently tapping the outside will wrangle them into position in just a few seconds. They really want to be lined up, but they need a bit of encouragement.
Edit: I don’t think I’ll make a 15/0 or 11/0. But 6/0 might be on the menu. I created the Bead-O-Matic with the ability to stack. (Maybe, I only have one. But here’s hopin’!)
That has tons of potential. Beaders are sure to be interested.
That’s really cool. I love the design.
I’m not a bead crafter, but your Bead-O-Matic might change my mind. Thanks for sharing!
Impressive! Did you 3D the bottom and GF the acrylic top?
Awesome! It’s always nice to make your own tool!
That’s exactly what happened. I don’t actually bead things. My girlfriend does though. And with this creation, I’m officially running out of ways to impress her.
That is great!! I’ve done some beading and getting those little critters on the needle can be a challenge!
I’m sure she was already impressed with you before you made the beading tool. 
Impressive! I love the texture. Are they your design?
Close up, they look quite aged. Full of character. hand carved as well.
5 month update: She was not impressed. Spending 100% of your off time crafting and creating does not a good relationship make. lol
They are fooling around with pieces of scrap actually. When making boxes I tend to use a many-fingers style and often use the same numbers so the scrap fingers of one box will fit another. With a srandard distance between parts i get strips with fingers on each side and can match them to make tool handles, or cut into short lengths, beads.
Aww… Take her out on a date!!
No way! Procreate, Illustrator, and Fusion360 are my only loves now.
