Leaded Stained Glass Tools
When learning how to make leaded stained glass you need to know about the tools that help you manipulate lead. This page introduces you to the lathekin, oyster knife and All Nova Tool.
All Nova Tool
The All Nova Tool has to be The Most Ridiculous Name for The Most Ridiculous looking implement. Luckily for it, it is also The Most Useful Toll. It is multi-talented; it opens the lead channels up before leading, and pushes them down after soldering. The ‘beak’ as I call it, cleans off excess cement, and the flat end can be used to push the heart of the lead snugly up against the edge of the glass during leading AND flatten kinked flanges out. All that for just a few pence. A must for your leaded stained glass tool box.
Lathekin
Lathekins only do a fraction of the above. They can be fashioned from scrap pieces of wood, and are used for opening up lead cames before leading.
Oyster Knives
Oyster knives are fractionally more versatile, but far more aesthetically pleasing! They are used for opening the lead channels and flattening them down. Oh, and for prising oysters from their shells.
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