circular lead frames!

[moy]

Another problem!

I've done loads of stained glass, but not a lot of leaded work. I'm embarrassed to say I'm stumped at this.... I've done a 10 inch circular project. I intend (ed) to wrap it in a 'u' lead came. But I've got zillions of unsightly puckers  all round the frame. Yuk! The face of the came is 1/4 inch. How can I make a decent frame, other than resorting to zinc (having got a zinc bender).
Look forward to input!

[Kev]

Take your foil roller and roll it on the edges to flatten it out.

[moy]

Hi Kev,
I've just used my hand foiler to flatten the puckers. Now  the frame is  looking  interestingly battered  and 'antique' . Better than it was, but not what i'd intended!
Would you expect the frame to be pretty flat and smooth!!
No matter how it turns out it will be hanged, maybe from the rafters, to put it out its misery!

[Kev]

Can you post a pic of it so we can see the problem?

[moy]

Having no joy with my attachment. File too big. I may be gone some time :(

[Kev]

Email it to me and I will resize it for you and post it in your post.

[AglassAct]

 I do frame all of my rounds with lead came. It is important that the circle or oval have no bumps extending from the seams that have been soldered. If the interior is foiled, I stop my solder seams withing a quarter of an inch before the outside rim.  You will also get ripples if the pieces of glass do not form an even  circle or oval. I also use at least a  quarter inch Round U Came on larger pieces.  It seems to be more substantial. I do stretch the came before using. Makes it straighter and smoother.
Hope this helps.

[Kev]

I've only used came a few times but they were on larger pieces.

[moy]

Hi there,
I think I've ticked all the boxes re your advice, so remain at a loss as to why it has turned out so poor. Doubt I'll lead came circles in the future!
Thank you for your suggestions though.

[moy]

Hi AGlassAct again,
do you have a picture of an example of your round frames??
So i know what to aim for?

[Glassic]

I had you problem once, twisted came on a foil edge worked, I've also used twisted 14/16 gauge wire. Ladder or Ball chain looks good too.

[Alan]

I think I see your problem - there are two different U cames - round and square - I generally the round 1/4" U came for circular/oval sun catchers and I have used the 1/4" square came on small square/rectangle panels.

It appears that you used square U came:

Here are some examples of 1/4" round U came borders - absolutely no puckering when worked slowly around the bend. This one that is 8" diameter:

Here is a 12" diameter piece with 1/4" lead U came border

[moy]

Thank you Alan,
sounds like good advice that I'll act on.
Thanks

[AglassAct]

Moy, just saw your post and Alan has said it all. That is definitely the problem. That panel will be beautiful when you frame it with the right came. Don't give up on lead came. It is very easy to work with once you get the hang of it. Just takes a little practice. Nice rounds Alan.

Deb in Ohio

[Judy K]

These are all three very pretty.

Good Luck , Moy

[ct4mom]

Great info Alan. I have only used lead on one project  and went well, but the next will be easier. Good luck Moy after you get this one done the next should be a breeze. Pretty panels BTW.

[gws732]

Aglassact also had good advise on stopping the solder before reaching the edge. From the pic it looks like the solder may be to close and under the edge of the came making it have a bump there to.

[Kev]

A smaller came would solve the problem as well. It appears like the leafs of the one used is too wide and therefore makes it harder to conform to the circle.

If I know I an going to be wrapping a foiled piece in lead, I also stop the solder about a 1/4 inch before the end of the seams. I also do not wrap foil on the outside edges since it is going to have a lead came in it's place. This avoids having to trim back the foil from peeking over the lead came.

[Graham]

Yep! Narrower came, or rounded came would reduce or eliminate the problem.
But if one does wind up with kinks alongf the lead, I've found that one of those
little rollers, about 2" wide and 1" in diam, that are made for flattening the
edges of wall-paper work well to take out the wrinkles.

[Audrey]

Great suggestion, Graham.  I'll put that in my memory banks if there is any more RAM in them.