free stained glass patterns

SOMETHING ABOUT..........STAINED GLASS THINGS

Tools:

Ever had that feeling....not having the right tool????

Lets start with a few basic stained glass tools you need.

Glass cutter: actual not to cut glass, but to score it.

There are many different types and brands of glass cutters available and it is a personal thing which one is the best for you. Ask your retailer or you can try a few different ones before you decide to buy one. For stained glass it seems to be that the Toyo cutter are the most used ones, known for their long lasting and accurate cutting.

Pliers: needed to break the glass after you scored it with the glass cutter.

Grinder: used to refine the shape and to take the sharp edges from the glass of

Ruler or square: for cutting straight lines and dividing bigger sheets of glass.

Solder iron: needed to solder over the copper foil or make the joints in a leaded window

Health:

Some people are really worried about the health aspect in the stained glass industry.

LEAD:

Handling lead and solder don't have to be a danger for your health if you just follow some simple rules.
Do NOT eat drink or smoke while handling lead or solder( better ....... don't smoke at all)
Keep food and beverages out the work area.
Wash hands when done working.( there is even special soap available that help removing lead particles)
Use a coverall or lab coat and work shoes while you work with lead so the lead doesn't stick to your normal clothes.
Do NOT drop a full box of lead on your toes :-) (45 pound can hurt)
When working on repairs or old window frames be aware for lead-containing-dust and the fact that old paint and putty can contain lead! ventilate well and wear a mask.

FUMES:

Soldering creates fumes, mostly from the flux , and they are no good to inhale!! avoid this !!

Use a ventilator that draws the fumes away from you, preferable one with a build in filter( don't forget to replace this filter periodically)....INLAND makes one special for stained glass use it's named " The Fumetrap"
Ventilate the work area with fresh air.
ladies who are pregnant, planning on it or are breastfeeding are advised NOT to do stained glass, even not with the above precautions!!!.....( better save than sorry)

ASBESTOS: Simply said they should never be in any product you use in your workshop!!

Do NOT use any kind of ceiling tiles or board if you don't know where they came from, some old construction materials can contain asbestos

SO ....... now i all scared you, go cleanup your workshop!

and use a vacuum cleaner with at least a HEPA filter in it.