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Stained Glass & Mosaics

SG- How many of these tools do I REALLY need to start?

16 years ago

So as I mentioned yesterday on Jane's thread, I got the book "Stained Glass in an Afternoon" (as seen in her post), and read through most of it.

I got hung up on the first few pages that showed no fewer than like 20 different tools, including about a dozen forms of pliers, 4 or 5 cutting tools, and a stationary grinder-thing (much like a wet-saw, but has a grinder where the saw-wheel is).

Now, I realize that there are certain ones that you really SHOULD have, and there are others that, while handy, a beginner might be able to do without for a little while during the beginning 'practice' sessions. Can someone give me a few tips on which tools I really SHOULD invest in as a greenie beginner, and which ones I can put on the wish-list for later?

Thanks!

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Comments (8)

shrty411
16 years ago
I started with a cutter, grozier pliers and running pliers. I'm just using glass in mosaics, though. I think the grinder would be nice.

Maria
rchovey
16 years ago
I was very lucky, when I started I had a friend who didn't have time for glass any more, so she loaned me her tools, including an older grinder but still very functional. So I could take my time getting my own stuff. DH got my grinder for Christmas one year...he still hasn't gottem me a saw though, maybe he doesn't love me anymore, maybe I should make an issue of it....hmmmm. If you are using glass in mosaics only, grozing pliers should work fine...however a grinder is really good to have. Grozing takes more patience than I have.
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Calamity_J
16 years ago
Here is a basic theme, if you don't buy a grinder, you can buy a carbodium stone(not spelled right!)

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}
icheer
16 years ago
Are you going to do leaded or foiled glass? Leaded requires lead nippers. When I first started stained glass I thought I could get away without a grinder - not! LOL I had beginner cutting skills and needed the grinder. The only other thing I haven't seen mentioned is flux and a flux brush. I prefer paste flux because it stays exactly where you apply it.

Have fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: lead nippers
lovesrocks
16 years ago
I am just starting and here are the things (as a beginner) that I have found invaluable. These aren't all tools, but if you have all of these items, you can make something!

Good glass cutter & oil for tip
Grinder
SAFETY GLASSES (you have slivers and glass dust flying)
flux & brush
copper foil
soldering iron (one made for stained glass)
solder
cup with wet sponge to wipe tip off
glass
came
patina for solder after finishing
mmqchdygg
Original Author
16 years ago
Leaded...foiled???? Shoot, I didn't know there was more than one way to skin this cat!!!
I thought you foiled it, then put lead on it. Crud...back to the books.
d3bbi
16 years ago
MM, if you don't have a grinder, be real careful with foiling fresh cut glass. The grinder or carrb...(what CJ was trying to spell)will help smooth the edges of your glass.
Personally, I think an easy way to learn and practice soldering is to get some bevels (edges are smooth), foil them and solder.
Cutting glass, then fitting it together almost requires a grinder IMHO.
toomuchglass
16 years ago
My basics are - a cutter , a grozers and a grinder. Anything over that is a "Toy" !!! LOL

********* PS - I Have lotsa toys ! *wink*

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