Stained Glass GLASS CHAT, Glass Cutting Demo + Community!
Education
Introduction
Hey everyone! Welcome to the RD RV Glass studio channel! Today, we're diving into a glass chat accompanied by a glass cutting demo. We’re here to answer your stained glass questions, so feel free to drop them in the chat.
We've had quite a busy week at the studio with many visitors. It's always a pleasure to see familiar faces and welcome newcomers. A huge thank you to all who make the effort to visit; you truly brighten our days. For those who traveled, we hope you made it home safely after your adventures!
I recently took a break to spend some quality time with my mom, who celebrated her 90th birthday with us. We went beach walking and even experienced a tropical storm before it hit. We sincerely hope those affected by the storm are now finding normalcy in their lives.
Glass Community Appreciation
A heartfelt shoutout to Ray for all the behind-the-scenes work he does for our community. An appreciation goes out to his lovely wife, Susie, as well! Thank you, Ray, for being such a reliable support system.
Stained Glass Questions
Hybrid Glass Work: Alan is working on a hybrid piece with a combination of copper foil and lead. When patina-ing the soldered part, masking off the came is unnecessary as the lead will not take on the patina unless soldered. It is better to tape off the copper foil part before applying putty.
Cutting Inside Curves: For small inside curves, using narrow grousing pliers can help significantly. It’s also beneficial to use smaller grinder bits. Consider employing a “fish scale cut” technique instead of a rainbow cut to preserve the curves better.
Timing the Glass Process: It’s essential to break, grind, and clean the glass urgently after cutting. Soldering can take a bit longer, but flux must not be left overnight as it can lead to oxidation.
Removing Putty from Glass: Use a single edge razor blade or scraper, wetting it lightly with glass cleaner or mineral spirits to keep the glass safe while removing putty.
Glass Cutting Demo
In our demo, I shared different glass types, notably a beautiful piece of pink glass. Despite its thickness, handling and cutting it correctly makes all the difference. I demonstrated the cutting process and the importance of keeping tools clean. A clean glass cutter is vital for making precise cuts; I showcased how to clean and maintain the cutter for optimal performance.
Finally, we discussed the importance of lubricating glass cutters to ensure smooth operation and avoid unnecessary frustration during cutting.
For all those looking to venture into their stained glass projects, have fun and stay creative!
Keywords
stained glass, glass cutting, glass demo, community, questions, tools, cutting techniques, maintenance
FAQ
Q: How should I clean my glass cutter?
A: Regularly clean your glass cutter to ensure optimal performance. Use a paper clip or a straight pin to remove debris from around the cutting wheel.
Q: What's the best way to cut small curves in stained glass?
A: Use narrow grousing pliers and smaller grinder bits. You can also try fish scale cuts instead of traditional curve cuts for better precision.
Q: How much oil do I need for my new glass cutter?
A: For the first time, add just a couple of drops of oil. After that, you can reapply oil as needed, approximately every few weeks.
Q: Do I need to mask off areas when applying patina?
A: Only mask the copper foil when applying patina; the lead won't take on the patina unless it's soldered.
Q: Should I vent my kiln during firing?
A: Yes, venting your kiln to 500 degrees helps remove moisture before reaching the higher firing temperature.