Greetings everyone. I'm in catering and am looking for other alternative methods of producing cylindrical desserts(about 2"-3") aside from using steel rings. I've been using acetate sheets taped together but it takes too long prepping the rings. The metal rings in catalogues that I've seen are too expensive when you need 100-200 of them. I was also thinking along the lines of cut PVC pipes but some stores refuse to do the cutting. What are you guys using?

By W.DeBord on Sunday, December 19, 1999 - 10:49 pm: Edit

I'd get one of the guys at work to cut the pvc for me. You wouldn't still line the ring with acetate for a clean removal?

I have ring molds in one size. We couldn't possible buy all the different sizes so I make my own by taping them together also. Or I have a dishwasher do it when they have down time. Are you wraping the acetate around a form to speed up the process of taping?

Sorry I wish I had the answer you are looking for...

By Panini (Panini) on Monday, December 20, 1999 - 08:25 am: Edit

Don't rule out the PVC just yet. You can but pipe cutters. they straddle the pipe with a bicycle chain and have a cutter. These are also very easy to cut with a hack saw and a mitre bow.

By W.DeBord on Monday, December 20, 1999 - 11:06 am: Edit

One thing to keep in mind is the "perfectionism" of the person cutting it. It's just plain easier if they are all very closely the same height.

When you pay someone at a store they're measuring can vary quite a bit.

By momoreg on Monday, December 20, 1999 - 12:58 pm: Edit

A cheap mold you might consider is a paper cup with the bottom cut out. If you don't mind a slightly tapered cylinder, it can work well.-----

By W.DeBord on Tuesday, December 21, 1999 - 10:19 am: Edit

Well, on that line you could use all your left over cardboard centers from your x-mas wrapping paper. Cut to length and line with acetate. You won't have a reuseable product but it will get you through your current need.????? Just a thought.

By d. on Tuesday, December 21, 1999 - 09:49 pm: Edit

Thanks for your input. I've thought of cardboard mailing tubes but it's not food-safe and can't be reused. I may just have to purchase a pipe cutter. Does anyone know how much they are?