Stained Glass Kits Explained

Learn About Essential Stain Glass Tools

This isn’t a stained glass kits wish list, that would be far longer! This is the essential stained glass equipment that you will need to get going on your first stained glass panel.

Learn what the different stained glass materials are used for and make sure you choose the right stain glass tools for your own particular project. Ready-made Delphi stained glass kits make the whole process easy and are a great way to go if you’re just starting up. There's quite a few different ones, so if you're not sure which stained glass starter kit you need you can read my review of each and find the best one for you.

Glass cutting stain glass tools

1. Cutter. I’d recommend an oil-filled cutter - they’re better, and you won’t have to keep a pot of oil handy for dipping the wheel into. If you have trouble applying pressure with a pen-shaped cutter, try a pistol grip cutter.
   
   
2. Grozing Pliers or Breaker/Grozers. These pliers are specifically made for making stained glass panels. They remove any splinters of glass after the scoreline has been broken, or eat into sharply angled curves.
   
   
3. Safety Goggles. You might not think these essential to stained glass kits, but if you value your eyesight, they are. Stained Glass Grinder. If you are doing stained glass copper foil, then you will definitely need a grinder as you need very accurate cuts. You can just about get away without one if you are leading, as the stained glass lead came covers up the edge of the glass.
   

 

Leading stain glass tools

1. Lead Knife. One of my favourite stain glass tools – they’re nicely weighted to bang in the horseshoe nails and a nice shape too. Keep them sharp to cut lead accurately. You won’t need this in your stained glass kits if you make stained glass copper foil.
   
2. All Nova Tool or Fid. Looks like a sick parrot, but is an extremely useful, cheap plastic tool. Opens up lead cames before leading and presses them down after cementing. Use it for burnishing if you’re a copper foiler.
   
   
3. Lead Vice. Holds the end of your 6ft lead cames firmly so that you can stretch them before leading. Not needed for copperfoiling stained glass kits.
   
   
4. Stained Glass Lead Came. Comes in 6ft lengths in all different widths so choose carefully to suit your design. You won’t need this for copper foiling, but you might want zinc came for the outside of your panel.
   
   
5. Copper Foil. Think sellotape but narrow, sticky-backed copper sheet. Used for sticking to the edge of each piece of glass shapes so that the stained glass solder can stick the pieces together. Comes in different widths, ¼” best for beginners. You don’t need this if you’re using lead.

 

Soldering stain glass tools

1. Soldering irons. I’m a big fan of 100-watt electric soldering irons. They’re light, safe, flexible and – best of all – thermostatically controlled if you buy one 100 watt or above.
   
   
2. Flux. Use a flux – either a liquid flux or tallow – to ensure the solder runs smoothly and sticks to the lead.
   
   
3. Stained Glass Solder. You need solder that’s 60% lead and 40% tin for leaded stained glass work and 50/50 for copper foiling. It’s all to do with melting temperatures, but I don’t want to get too technical…or boring.

Cementing and polishing stain glass tools

1. Black Cement or Leaded Light Cement. You can make this yourself, but it’s horribly messy… You will need it for your stained glass starter kit if you are leading, not copper foiling.
   
   
2. Whiting Powder. This is a fantastic moment. You’ve made a right mess cementing your stained glass panels, and you’re wondering what to do with the oily goo…simply sprinkle the whiting powder on, use a brush and a bit of elbow grease, and magic! A sparkling work of art.
   
3. Grate Polish or Patina. Use a standard shoe brush to apply polish and blacken your lead cames. This finishes your work off beautifully. Use liquid patina – it comes in different finishes – for stained glass copper foil projects.

 

Any outlet that sells stained glass art supplies will stock these essential stain glass tools. If there isn’t a store near you don’t worry, as there are many stain glass suppliers that will ship all over the world. I’ve always found Delphi Glass to be very helpful and prompt. They stock just about EVERYTHING you could possibly think of – the only down side is trying not to resist all the unnecessary delights available. Be warned!

So now you know what’s needed to make up a decent stained glass kit you might want to have a look at my free how to make stained glass tutorials. That way you’ll know exactly how much mess you’re going to make when your stained glass starter kit arrives…

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