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Stained Glass/Foiling Machines
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Question
Hi David - Do you think foiling machines are a good tool to have? If so, can you recommend the best one and tell me why you like it? I'm considering the Glastar and the Table Foiler. I've been doing copper foil since July and so far have made smaller panels, the largest of which is 16x24. I'm getting ready to start a 250-piece panel that's 25x42, and I'm thinking a foiling machine might make the task less daunting. Thanks in advance for your input! - Claudia
Okay, now since we only do copper foil windows in our studio and since we have been building them since 1983, you'd think I ought to be qualified to answer this question. Right now we have three panels we're building in the studio with more than 340 pieces in them, so I'm pretty familiar with foiling.
I bought a Glastar machine in the early 80's hoping that it would help me to speed things up and then I bought an Inland Machine two or three years ago. I'm sorry to report that I found it difficult to use them and I was easily able to foil without a machine much faster than with one.
But I haven't given up hope. I continue to look for one that works well. I may try a Diegel Foiling Machine next. And some people have had good success with them. I visited a friend's shop in Branson, Missouri and there were foiling machines mounted on boards near the cash registers so that the employees could foil projects while not waiting on customers.
Now, one thing to keep in mind is that Jeanne and I can foil very fast, since we've had so much practice. If you are slow at foiling you may find that the investment of around $25 is worth it to you. You can read the Glaster manual for their foiler at http://www.glastar.com/manuals/foiler.cfm it may help you to understand the process more and help you make a good decision. You can read about the Inland Edgemaster at http://www.inlandcraft.com/Uguides/UGedgemaster.htm and you can read about the Diegel at http://www.hoevel.com/foiler/Foiler%20Instructions.pdf
If you get one and you find it useful, I want to hear about it. Good Luck
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Answers by Expert:
David Gomm
Expertise
Copper Foil stained glass panels are our specialty. Both architectural and residential questions can be asked. We build windows and teach classes in our studio. We design custom patterns by hand and then draw tham using AutoCAD. We recently donated over 100 square feet of glass to the Covey Center For The Arts in Provo, Utah. I write a monthly newsletter that gives tips and tricks for the stained glass trade at www.betterstainedglass.com We also teach classes because the joy of new stained glass students rubs off on us and keeps the hobby fun.
Experience
Started business in stained glass in 1983. We build and design architectural and residential stained glass and we write a monthly stained glass newsletter at www.betterstainedglass.com. We also install glass, fuse panels and produce instructional videos. Jeanne's first book on Mandalas For Meditation is available on Amazon and she's working on a second. David is halfway done with an instruction manual. Together they have produced 6 instructional videos on projects and techniques.
Organizations
Utah County Art Gallery, David is webmaster, Jeanne is recording secretary. Utah County Art Guild, showing members. Covey Center For The Arts, Donors and volunteers. Heritage School, Donors.
Publications
Go Articles,
Ideamarketers, and
Ezine Articles. We also contribute to newspapers and ezines. Also have several videos on You Tube betterstainedglass assorted videos.
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts in Education, Missouri Southern State University. Taught stained glass college course at MSSU, currently teach classes in our studio. Write monthly newsletter. Seminars in advanced lamp design, drafting and design, and glass fusing.
Awards and Honors
St. Francis Of Assisi Merit. UDot Mural Competition-2011.
Past/Present Clients
Covey Center For The Arts. Heritage School. Finer Consigner. Larry H. Miller. Keith Barton. UVU Alumni Association. St Francis Catholic Church.
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