Measuring Stained Glass Panels
by Bob
(Hanford California USA)
I don't understand something about measuring stained glass panels. If you have a lead window and the lead is say 1/8in. thick and your glass goes into the window that much,less the end thickness which is about a 3/2 of an inch, well, do you have to compensate for drawing, because you will lose some of the glass that will go into the lead. Does that make any sense?
Bob
Calif.
Milly's reply:
Yes your question does make sense - it's the process that's a bit confusing! There's two considerations here; measuring the aperture and the width of the lead.
1. Measuring the aperture. When you measure the size of the window, you must take into account the fact that the beading and rebate of the frame means that you have to make your design a bit smaller than the actual size of the window. Take two measurements, one to the outside edge of the window to get the full size of your stained glass panel - this is known as the 'tight' size - and two, measure the inside of the beading/rebate - known as the 'sight' size. This 'sight' size is the size you work to with regards your design. Have a look at Measuring the Aperture for more detailed information.
2. The width of the stained glass lead. You're right Bob, you will lose some of your glass under the flange of the lead. The amount you lose will depend on the thickness of the lead, so you have to be mindful of this when you do your design. For example, if you have a shape that goes to a point right at the edge of your stained glass panel, you might want to keep the point by moving it slightly away from the edge on your design, so that the outside lead doesn't chop it off when you lead up your stained glass panel.
I hope that answers your question, and good luck - I hate the measuring bit.
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