Re: Recent threads about fitting in leaded panels

[TodB]

I am a tad overwhelmed by the two recent threads about leading & problems and where to insert comments, so finally decided to start fresh with a few suggestions.

First, and most important for "beginners":
If you want to know how a lead joint will work, draw it fully. From the actual lead(s) you will use, make measurements of the actual flange width and heart width. Transfer these dimensions to your cutting pattern. I use solid pencil lines for both sides of the heart and either a dashed line for the flange or just a lighter line, depending on why I'm going to this trouble. For the diamonds in question, you could bisect the angles (miter) and draw that line right on the pattern so the lead can be accurately marked for cutting when you get there.

Diamonds: You can choose to have the leads make nice pointy (visible) corners in a variety of ways, or have the glass points buried in the adjacent lead so there is a bit of a flat at the corners. Graham's illustrations seem to cover this pretty well.

Audrey's fitting problem: Best, simplest but seemingly harshest solution (after much trying to make it work, of course) is to strip out the lead in the area of concern and lay out the glass on the pattern to see if it really fits the space allocated for it. Be brutally honest and make sure ALL nearby pieces are perfect (y'know what I mean). This is a good time for sketching in the lead widths because then you can see if the lead is actually in the right place, just like the glass.

It's really easy to have the long angle in the lead slightly off and it's more of a problem than just grinding the next piece will solve. That's because it's then likely that the previous piece of glass is not properly seated in the latest lead. If the lead angle looks good and fitting is still a problem (with glass size/shape confirmed), the lead may be too long. Trim the easy end! Gradually!

Remember, my opinions only! Have fun.  - Tod

[Kev]

Good food for thought Tom! I'm sure I will reread this a few times.

Thanks...everyone learns from these threads!

[Bleedy Pokes]

Yes, I'm learning, too. And I don't even have the tools and lead to get started. But when I do, I think I'll be ready, thanks to Audrey and Diane's questions and everyone's solutions!

[ct4mom]

Thanks for the info Tod.Thats why I decided to just do it and ask questions later. I knew I would get the best answers.  I learning and yes Im having fun with it.

Kev, I think you better reread TOD'S  tip again....lol