Solder Stained Glass – Beading the Edge
- Put your heat resistant glove on, or prop your stained glass up between two bricks
- Join the blobs that are already on the edge by heating them with the iron
- Move slowly along, holding and lifting, making sure that the solder is rounded as you go
How to clean flux off stained glass?
- Place flux remover on the glass
- Wipe glass with a damp cloth or sponge
- Rinse glass with warm water
- Wipe dry
What is the best stained glass soldering iron?
Weller 1175 Stained Glass Iron – Best to Solder Copper Foil
- Wattage: 50W
- temperature: 1000° F
- Dimensions: 11” x 1.5” x 5.5”
- Weight: 0.3 lb.
- Warranty: lifetime
How do you repair stained glass?
- Cut shallow grooves into a length of board
- Gather your left over bits of solder and spread them near the grooves
- With a hot iron pull the bits into the grooves creating nice long solder sticks. ...
- When cool, just pry them out with a horse shoe nail
How to shade stained glass?
- You paint a light dry undercoat.
- You copy-trace the lines that you wish to transform into shadows.
- You reinforce these lines.
- You paint an overcoat.
- You take your blender and, while the overcoat is still wet, you soften the traced lines and change them into shadows.
Do you solder both sides of stained glass?
Generally, you will hold your piece on the edges near the center. Turning your piece over from the top can sometimes cause your piece to bend in the center. The second side of your piece doesn't need to be tack soldered. Simply apply a light amount of flux to the seams and solder as you did on the first side.
How do you get smooth solder lines out of stained glass?
1:596:56Making Smooth Solder Seams and Touch-Up Soldering - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I cool it if you cool the seam. It's better. And then you try and hit that area really quicklyMoreAnd I cool it if you cool the seam. It's better. And then you try and hit that area really quickly and instead of dragging your iron over the seam I dab the solder right on top of it.
How do you solder around glass?
0:583:45How to Solder Stained Glass Panels - Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlso you want to be across the solder line so you don't want to be right on the edge of it you wantMoreAlso you want to be across the solder line so you don't want to be right on the edge of it you want to be across it and try to stay 90 degrees to your solder.
How do you solder joints on stained glass?
0:000:36Soldering a Leaded Stained Glass Panel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGive it a little swirl and pull off you never want to pull up because you'll get little ridges offMoreGive it a little swirl and pull off you never want to pull up because you'll get little ridges off to the side nice flat seam should be able to pull your fingernail across it and it shouldn't click.
What is the best temperature to solder stained glass?
Those who are quicker have their stained glass soldering temperature set at 410C but if you solder more slowly you need to reduce the temperature to 360C. 360C is a good temperature for starters as it gives you more time.
How long can you leave flux on stained glass?
After soldering stained glass, the flux washes off easily, even if it's been left on for up to 14 days.
How do you solder stained glass for beginners?
To solder stained glass, start by wrapping copper foil around the edges of your stained glass. Then, use a roller to flatten the foil on the glass, and brush a coat of liquid flux on the foil so it bonds together later. Next, heat up a soldering iron, and assemble the glass pieces into your desired final design.
Can you use any flux for stained glass?
The best flux for stained glass is a gel flux that has a thick enough liquid to wet and shine the solder seams when you hand-solder copper sheet metal or copper foil between the stained glass pieces. You also want to choose a flux that won't stain the copper before you have a chance to wipe it clean when soldering.
Do I need a mask when soldering?
Soldering lead will NOT produce particles you can inhale. There is a risk when cutting lead with power saws, or when repairing leaded glass. Fine particles of lead produced by the saw, or when you scrape old lead, can easily be inhaled. Always wear a protective mask when doing either of these.
What type of solder is used for stained glass?
There are 3 basic types of solder used in stained glass. 50/50: 50% Tin/50% Lead - This is most commonly used in box and lamp assembly. 60/40: 60% Tin/40% Lead - This is most commonly used in lead and copper foil assembly. 63/37: 63% Tin/40% Lead - This is most commonly used for decorative soldering.
Can you use silver solder on stained glass?
Thanks!! You can leave the solder a natural silver colour, but you should be sealing it with wax to preserve the shiny finish and prevent oxidation over time.
What is Tinning in stained glass?
The "stained glass" technique adds a silver rim to the edge of your glass, and is often referred to as tinning. Tinning is the process of applying copper foil to the edge of a piece of glass then applying lead-free solder to the copper.
Why is my solder not smooth?
The connection was not hot enough. Hold the tip of the solder gun on longer. If you have concerns about heating up the wire too much, put a clip on it, or even just hold it with a pair of needle nose plyers to disipate the heat off of the wire. And do not blow on the molten solder to make it cool faster.
Can you sand down solder?
0:281:08How Is Sandpaper Used? | Soldering - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's likely that you need to use sandpaper. Now by sanding you can see that the copper appears muchMoreIt's likely that you need to use sandpaper. Now by sanding you can see that the copper appears much much different. It's a little bit shinier and the color is different.
How do you grind down solder?
0:362:55How To Remove Excess Solder: Ask The Experts at Beaducation.comYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut our engraving tool actually comes with a little silicon grinding point and I use that grindingMoreBut our engraving tool actually comes with a little silicon grinding point and I use that grinding point quite a bit when I am sanding away solder from my blanks.
Why is my stained glass solder not shiny?
This could be down to minerals in the water where you are. If this is the case, try buying distilled water and using it for the final rinse. I've found that there's always a degree of experimentation with stained glass! With a Q-tip or cheap brush, apply the copper patina to the solder seams.
Why is stained glass soldering so exciting?
Stained glass soldering is one of the most exciting steps because it allows you to pick up your panel and see the coloured light coming through it for the very first time. Woo hoo! Here’s where you find out how to solder stained glass so that it’s both strong and neat.
How to solder a joint with your left hand?
The solder heats up along the stick and you could get burnt. Bring the hot tip of the soldering iron to the solder over the join. A drop will melt off onto the joint.
Why should you not take too long to solder?
Be careful not to take too long because the solder will melt too much and disappear through the gap. Both the lead and solder need to heat up for a strong union. Try not to touch the lead directly with the tip as it could melt it. Make sure you have soldered every joint. It’s easy to miss one or two.
How to clean lead came?
Clean each joint with a wire brush. This gets rid of any oxidation or dirt that may have built up on your lead came. You need a clean surface so that the solder will adhere properly.
Can you put solder on lead?
Melting drop of solder on to lead came joint. It’s better to put a small amount on first and add more. Stained glass solder sticks to the lead and is difficult to take off if you’ve put too much on. Hold the soldering iron still on the solder for a few seconds, letting it find its natural level.
Is soldering fumes dangerous?
This way you can get the feel for the way the solder melts, and how hot your iron needs to be. Soldering fumes are dangerous. Try to do the soldering process by an open window, or buy a portable fume extractor if you’re going to do large amounts. Brush flux on to a lead joint.
Can you solder lead joints after cleaning?
You need a clean surface so that the solder will adhere properly. It’s best to solder immediately after cleaning. This will stop any oxides building up on your lead joints. Lead joint before cleaning with wire brush (left) and after (right) 2. Using the stained glass solder.
What is soldering glass?
Solder is a material that joins the glasses together. Make sure to use a pure 60/40 solder. This consists of 60% tin and 40% lead that will firmly bond the glass pieces.
What is the best power for soldering stained glass?
The device provides the heat required to join two pieces together. For the purpose of soldering stained glass, a 100W iron will suffice.
What is solder made of?
Solder is an alloy that is made up of two metals usually tin and lead . There are multiple variants or grades of solder available that you can use on stained glass projects.
How to melt solder on joints?
With the help of a brush, apply flux on the specific joints that are crucial , and melt a small amount of solder on those joints.
Why do you need a plier for glass cutting?
They are considered as a glass cutting necessity. Pliers are used to applying pressure to the glass score lines so that it detaches with ease. They have a rubberized tip to prevent any potential scratches on the glass.
How to apply foil to glass?
Gently apply the foil on all sides of the glass. Make sure the piece is properly centered onto the foil so that it covers the edges evenly.
What tools do you need to cut glass?
There is a wide range of tools available to cut glass. You can use a glass cutter that makes a shallow score on the piece.
What is the basic solder used for stained glass?
Basic Principles of Solder: 1. Solder is a tin/lead alloy with the exception of lead-free solder which is a tin-copper alloy. The 3 basic types of solder used for stained glass are: 50/50 50% tin/50% lead - most commonly used in box and lamp assembly. 60/40 60% tin/40% lead - most commonly used in lead and copper foil assembly.
Where to solder glass?
Soldering should be done in a well ventilated area - outdoors or in a garage is best. If indoors, open a window and run a fan. Getting started: Once all of your glass pieces fit snugly, you are ready to foil and solder. You don't need any space between foiled pieces, but can easily fill gaps with solder to up 1/8".
How to use a U channel came to edge?
If you are planning to use a U-channel came to edge your piece, leave abut 1/4" of your copper foil seam free from solder at the edge of your panel. If you are simply tinning your edges, complete the seams all the way to the edge. If you are unhappy with the way your solder seam looks, don't keep going over it.
What is tack soldering?
Tack soldering is applying a small amount of solder to each joint so that your pieces are held in one place. Next, apply a light, even coating of flux to all seams. Too much flux will spatter and create small pits or bubbles in your solder seam. Too little flux will leave irregular solder seams and uncovered foil.
How to safely solder with lead?
Follow these basic safety rules: Always wash hands well with soap and water after working with lead. Never eat, drink, or smoke while working. Always bandage any open cuts on hands and fingers. Keep children away from work area. Soldering should be done in a well ventilated area - outdoors or in a garage is best.
How to finish a foiled edge?
Finishing the Edges: To finish your edge you can either tin the outside edges or attach a U-channel came. 1. Tinning your piece: Tinning your finished piece is easy. You simply make sure all of the foiled edges on the front and back of your piece are covered with solder.
How to hang stained glass panels?
To edge, simply use a fine toothed hobby saw and mitre box and cut a small amount (about 1") to use for measuring. Lay your stained glass piece on a flat surface in the direction you would like it to hang. Slide the U-channel over the right edge. If it is too snug, use the curved end of your fid and open up the came. Slide the small piece of came used for measuring onto the top right corner of your piece. Move the came on the right side up until the two cames meet together at the top. Carefully remove the measuring came and slide it onto the bottom right corner. Use a felt tip marker to mark on the side came where the two cames meet at the bottom. Remove the side came and cut the came at your mark. Remember to allow for the width of the saw blade. Slide came back on the right side of your panel and check the fit. Repeat procedure with left side.
Where to place soldering iron?
Now, with solder iron in your right hand and coil in your left, place the tip of solder just above the copper foil. You can hold the solder in your left hand if you are left-handed. But be cautious, the soldering iron can cause some serious burns.
How to get solder to drip down?
Move your hands steadily beside the seams and let the solder drips down onto seams. Move at a constant speed and don’t allow the melted solder to bunch up in any particular area.
Why use flux in soldering?
Normally, Rosin flux is used to protect the metal from getting oxidize when heated. Flux also keeps the solder bonded to the metal. So that way flux is useful in this soldering process.
Why does solder turn black?
If the tip of your solder iron is covered with oxidation or corrosion it can turn black and will not accept solder. Ensure that you have sufficient liquid flux to melt the solder. Add more if required. There is not any particular quantity of flux that we will advise to use.
How to bond solder to foil?
Apply liquid flux onto each and every part of the foil. The solder needs a flux to flow smoothly and bond to other metals, so for better bonding, all parts of your pattern should be coated with flux.
How hot can a soldering iron get?
Soldering iron is a handy tool, we all know that but do you know that it can reach up to 800′ F ? So it becomes vital to place and use soldering iron carefully and you must precisely know where your soldering iron is during the whole process. For this purpose, we would like to advise that always use the iron stand to avoid any unforeseen damages.
Why do you need to wear protective glasses when soldering?
Speaking of the safety measures we would also like to recommend that you should use a wear protective glasses to prevent from accidental splashes and plops of burning solder.
Why does solder look funky?
Since the copper tape is the only surface the solder is allowed to stick to, it can make your beads of solder look funky when damaged, because the bead becomes smaller or distorted in the ripped areas. Many times, it is just a little tear in the tape and the solder either fills it in or its doesn’t look off enough to need to fix it.
How to remove adhesive from copper tape?
Take off and throw away the paper backing from the adhesive side of the copper tape, then put it in a small container of Isopropyl alcohol or something similar which will break down the adhesive. Most non polar solvents would probably work fine here as long they don’t leave any residue. You could probably even use something like “Goo Gone” as long as you clean off any residue it may leave with water or something after.
How to tin a piece of metal?
Once you have your piece cut to the proper size and shape, you will want to flux and tin it. With such a tiny piece it can be a little tricky, but with some small pliers or tweezers, it shouldn’t be too hard. Get a good coat of flux on one side, and with a little solder on your iron, rub it against the piece until you have a nice shiny thin bit of solder coating it. Do the same thing for the other side, fluxing first, then tinning. Flip it around and do the same thing to both sides where the pliers were grabbing it before.
How to repair a foil tape?
Once you have identified that some of the copper foil tape has been damaged to the point it will need repair, begin by melting all the solder in the area off, and remove it from the surrounding area too, at least .5 inches out, on both sides of the “wound”. To do this, hold the piece upside down , then when you touch the soldering iron to where you need it, you should see the solder flow off the piece and onto the iron. Wipe the soldering iron onto the wet sponge to get off the excess solder. Keep repeating this a few times until all the solder is gone from the whole area.
How to remove sticky adhesive from mail?
The adhesive doesn’t fully break down in the alcohol though because it is the gummy kind that is similar to the type used to stick new credit cards to the mail they come with. After the short alcohol bath you only have to gently rub the sticky part and it will begin to “booger up”, allowing you to easily remove it all in one or two little clumps.
Can you spot weld a strip?
You may not get this right on the first shot, so once the dot of solder is applied, then look again to make sure it’s lined up perfectly with both sides. If its not just right, then melt the small spot you made with the iron, and pull off the strip with your other hand to line it back up and spot weld again. Once you get it just how you want it, then you can spot weld the other side of the strip, securing the whole thing into place.
