Get the Lead Out!

Hi, this hub will be about getting the lead out, came that is. I don't use a lot of lead came because of the lead factor that can get into your system if you use too much of it. But....Lead comes in all sizes and several shapes. When using came you have to stretch it until it gets "stiff." Came has a channel or groove that fits over the edge of the glass and can be bent around most pieces of glass. I use a small came to go around the three pieces of glass I use to make small angels. By the way, these angel are fairly easy to make and if you would like a simple pattern for one, send a SASE to: JEB, 2023 Loker ST., Mission, TX 78572-9250 and I'll get a pattern in the mail to you and a little more info on came.

I don't know if you knew this before but glass is fluid. Many of the stained glass windows that were in the old, old churches in Europe were distroyed and it was found that the bottom side of the glass was slightly larger that the top edge of the glass. I was really surprised to find out this little bit of information. There are several large glass factories in America and if you "google" stained glass you will find so much information that you won't be able to absorb all of it in a month.

That reminds me, don't try to rush into any large projects or complicated projects until you have the necessary tool and have had enough practice scoring glass, that's what your glass cutter does, that you can follow a pattern accurately. If you rush a project it is more than likely that you will not be satisfied with the results. I say this because I suffered the same problems and became discouraged to the point that I didn't even try to cut glass for a mont or two, but then a catalog arrived from Delphi which got me going again. Google Delphi and see what they have to offer. Many of the place that come up when you google stained glass will provide you with free patterns to download into your computer. Print them out and away you go.

Another point I would like to make is when I had a MRI a few years back following my cancer, a spot showed up on my left lung. When talking to the Dr. about this, he wanted to know how much I was working with lead came. Fortunately, at that time, I wasn't working with lead very much. Now as I work with lead came I use the same kind of gloves the medical people use. As long as I'm careful with them one pair can last quite some time. It probably isn't necessary but I'm a little "goosey" about lead in my system. Take care and if I can help you with your stained glass questions, just ask me. I have several simple patterns that might prove to be something you can use.

Take care of yourself,

Jim