AboutH Carl Trimble III Expertise One of a kind custom design stained glass as well as other glass art methods and the restoration of stained glass. Inquiries regarding leaded, beveled, etched sand carved, and fused glass techniques are invited. Other methods, technical questions,history of the art and supply source inquiries also welcome. Information on the pro's and con's of protective glazing of stained glass windows. Visit www.TrimbleStudios.com for more complete information.
Experience Over forty years experience in a wide range of techniques that include "stained glass", wood working and metal fabrication. Have worked from my own full service studio since 1977. Many major residential, commercial and religious installations from Charlottesville, Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia to San Diego California as well as much of the State of Texas
Organizations Professional Affiliate,Certified Trainer, and Preferred Provider for the American Institute of Architects, AIA, Dallas, Texas. I have served on the Board of Directors of both the Texas Fine Arts Association and the Texas Visual Arts Association
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Fine Arts, The University of Texas, Tyler. Master of Fine Arts, The University of North Texas, Denton. Just a few hours short of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Awards and Honors Many first place and best of show awards in both stained glass and fine arts competitions. Steady commission work for the past ten years has obviated any recent competitive activity.
Past/Present Clients Most recent major commissions are for American Airlines CR Smith Museum; JFK Airport Terminal 8 stained glass; TXU Energy Plaza Thor stained glass. The Mansion at Turtle Creek, Dallas and and St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Terrell, Texas
Question Hi Carl - I have a structural question on a project I'm designing. There is a piece of glass approximately 3.5" x 24" across the top, without a vertical seam within that piece. If I use the wire hooks you taught me to use (going up the side and over the top of the border channel), how large of a span of glass across the top can I get away with without having to put a vertical solder line for strength? I can cut and paste a Glass Eye diagram of this piece into a separate e-mail if that will help you answer my question. As usual, thanks in advance, Carl.
Answer Claudia,
I do not see any problem with this design. As to the width of a piece, that is a subjective call that each of us has to make. I seldom use a piece that large without a break in it. Design considerations will ultimately determine your choice. Obviously, the overall strength and integrity of the piece have to be considered, but, in this case, I think you are within the parameters of acceptability, but close to a size where it would be recommended that you have a division of the piece into two or more sections.
One suggestion: If you have to divide the piece, consider something other than a straight line; i.e., an elongated "s" shape placed at an angle to the direction of the piece of glass. Just a thought.
Remember, there are (supposedly) no straight lines in nature.
Good luck and send me a picture of the finished piece.
