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Stained Glass/lead came seperating from glass

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Expert: H Carl Trimble III - 11/20/2007


Question
I am making ornaments for grandchildren using lead came.  I have noticed the came and glass separates if it is pulled on.  Can this be cemented or something so the came will not separate from the glass?  I have also noticed some persons lead came separating from the glass if they have been hanging for a while.

Answer
Cora,
Lead is a very flexible material. I assume you are making something like suncatchers and are using lead came. First of all, if you are making it for grandchildren, why are you using lead came. The potential of their handling the gifts and ingesting lead is potentially very dangerous. The exposure could be far greater than the Chinese made toys that have recently been recalled because of lead in their paint.

Lead will stretch and separate from the glass simply from the weight of the object you are making. It will do so no matter what. Even if you use some kind of cement to affix the lead to the glass. The solution, if you are intent on using lead is to mount the hanging hook or loop to a lead that is part of the interior caming. Solder it to both sides; twisting a loop in the part that extends from the piece.

The best thing to use  would be copper foil and lead free solder. Affix the hanging loop as above and solder it, again, on both sides. Copper wire with a diameter of something like a wooden pencil lead is probably the best size to use. Extend the copper wire at least 1/2" into the interior of the stained glass piece you are making. Then, you will have a work that won't come apart and will be safe for them to have.

Good luck and have a Merry Christmas with Jesus as the focal point of all your celebrations.

Carl Trimble
Trimble Studios
www.trimblestudios.com

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H 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

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