Stained Glass Art Tips

 

 

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Cutting Glass

Copper Foil

Lead Came

Finishing

Pricing Work

 

 

Down East Stained Glass

 

Lead Came

Traditional construction of stained glass windows.

Before copper foil was used there was lead.

 

  • Variety of thicknesses- From 1/8" to 3/4" off heart, lead is available in a wide range of sizes and styles.

 

Pro Tip: Use leaded glass construction where you need added flex-ability such as a door insert. Copper foiled work is much too ridged and increases the possibility of broken glass where lateral shock is expected.

Pro Tip: 50/50 solder should be used to minimize excessive solder from getting below the crown of the lead. Lower melting temperature solders such as 60/40 tend to seep past and below the crown increasing the chance of added stress on the glass beneath resulting in breakage when handling the window. 50/50 solder also gives an overall neater joint but risk of melting the lead beneath is increased. Use a controller to regulate iron temperatures. Flat lead melts easier than round lead so use care.

Pro Tip: Choose the proper pattern shears for intended core of lead to be used. Tolerances are strict during construction and slightest differences in core allowances and blade thickness of shears can result in a poor fit.

Pro Tip: Use sheet plastic to cover working copy when laying out cut pieces of glass. Slide plastic off draft and pull working copy out from under plastic and glass at same time.

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