How to Lead Stain Glass Patterns
Leading is the process of assembling pieces of stained glass with lead came to create a pattern. Leading such patterns so that the stained glass pieces are interlocking requires the correct shape and size of lead, along with the appropriate stained glass tools. The leading process is primarily used for stained glass panels and lampshades.
Things You'll Need
- Lead came
- Lead vise
- Pliers
- Lead cutter
- Nails
- Stained glass pattern
- Stained glass
- Light hammer
- Horseshoe Nails
- Solder
- Flux
- Soldering Iron
- Plywood work surface
- Two pieces of wood
- Safety glasses
Instructions
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1
Select the correct lead came for the project. There are two types of lead came. The 'H' shaped came has a double channel and is used between stained glass pieces so each connecting piece fits into the came. The 'U' shaped came has a single channel and is used around the perimeter of the stained glass pattern.
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2
Tape the stained glass pattern onto the plywood work surface. Frame the pattern with two strips of wood, along the left side and bottom of the pattern, creating a 90-degree angle. Nail it in place.
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3
Stretch the perimeter 'U' lead came. To stretch lead came, insert one end of the lead into the lead vise, hold the other end with pliers, and pull until the kinks are out and the lead straightens.
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4
Using a lead cutter, cut each piece slightly longer than the pattern. Place the lead along the wood strips with the channel facing inwards, butt up to each other, and cut them at a 45-degree angle. Cut the other end of each piece at an inside 45-degree angle to fit the top and bottom right side of the pattern.
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5
Starting at the inside corner, insert the appropriate stained glass piece into the lead channel. Make sure it is lined up with the shape on your pattern. Place a short piece of scrap lead on the outside of the stained glass piece and use a horseshoe nail to hold it in place.
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6
Cut an approximate size piece of 'H' lead to surround the first piece of glass. Cut the appropriate angle to fit one end of this piece to the outside perimeter lead came. Remove the horseshoe nail and scrap piece of lead from the stained glass piece. Surround the piece of glass by inserting the glass into the channel of the lead.
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7
Ensure the piece of glass remains flat. Cut the other end of the lead so it is ready to intersect with the adjoining piece of stained glass and the lead surrounding it, as shown in the stained glass pattern you are following. Nail the stained glass piece in place, surrounded by the lead, with a horseshoe nail.
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8
Place a small amount of flux where the lead came intersects and tack solder to hold it in place. Remove the nail.
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9
Continue this process with each piece of stained glass. Measure and cut every strip of lead so it snuggly wraps around the stained glass piece and fits flush against the intersecting pieces of lead.
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10
When all stained glass pieces are in place, measure the outside perimeter pieces of 'U' lead came, cut the appropriate 45-degree angle to match the initial two pieces, and press the channel around the outside pieces of stained glass at the top and right side of the stained glass piece.
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11
Finish soldering the entire piece. Carefully turn the panel over and solder every joint on the back side.
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Tips & Warnings
According to the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts,
there are ways of handling lead came and solder to keep the craft person and their family safe. These include ventilating the work room properly, wearing eye protection, and cleaning the work area and work clothes properly.
