2.
Cut out all the pattern pieces. You can use
pattern shears. It will remove a thin strip of the line to allow
the room for copper foil. Group all pattern pieces of the same color.
Put arrows on the patterns so you can follow stripes of glass. This
is very important if you use opal or other multicolored glass with
visible lines of colors.
-Next: glue pattern pieces to your glass -small dot of PAPER
glue at the center of paper pieces will do.
- you will notice that the numbers on the pattern follow colors
(example: numbers 1-14 same color, 14-22 other color etc. If
you are not sure about colors, check the index image on your
CD) To know how much glass you need simply
group all pieces of same color together and measure it. Now
you know how much glass is required.
Use light box to check actual glass
color against natural light.
Position pattern pieces on the glass and mark around pattern
or place glass and pattern directly on the light box and trace
down the lines from the pattern.
- after all the pieces are glued to the glass- use glass cutter,
glass grinder or glass saw to adjust glass shape.When
you are cutting the glass, use inside of the marker line. For
straight lines and slight curves use the running pliers, for
curved cuts use the breaking pliers. Glass can be gently nibbled
away by using the grossing pliers. Start cutting with the largest
piece.
-Make sure that the wheel of the grinder
has plenty of water.
- use other copy of the pattern as your guide for putting the
pieces together. Put your pattern on smooth
surface and merge it with the frame. It will keep your project
from moving. Make sure that your board is larger than your pattern.
For frame use wooden battens. First batten lay along the longest
edge of pattern. Second batten must be at a 90 degree angle
to the first one. Same goes for the third and fourth. For other
shapes use horse shoe nails or pins. Make sure that battens
are positioned exactly on the edge of the pattern's lines.Dry
your glass and put it on the pattern, piece by piece as you
are building your project. If your project has a lot of pieces
it is better if you start to foil and solder them before you
finish grinding all the pieces. This will keep your project
from "dancing around" every time you are checking
a new part for fitting.
-When foiling the glass, hold the glass on top of the foil so
you can look down and see that both sides have an even overlap
of foil. Slightly overlap where the two ends meet. Smooth foil
out.
-make sure to clean pieces of any paper or glue residue before
this step and make sure you know how to use solder:
-Apply flux with brush to all copper
foil lines except the outer edge and 1/2" in from the outer
edge. Solder all the copper foil lines flat (you need this side
flat when you flip over your project for soldering other side).
The end result should be a neatly rounded bead. Do not overheat
the glass. It will brake.
Put U channel around your project and finish
soldering by soldering over that 1/2" you left without the
flux.
Clean the finished project and put a coat
of patina if you want.
When cutting, grinding glass and
soldering,
always wear safety glasses, face mask and gloves.
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