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Stained Glass Tools - A-Z Glossary

You will encounter many a stained glass tool during your adventures into stained glass. Not all are needed and there are many variations on the same tool. As with learning the art of stained glass you will eventually find the tool that feels most comfortable and best suits how you want to work.

Angle Lead Shears

A must for every stained glass artist working with lead came. These make sharp angle cuts on even wide lead came without crushing the channel. Angle cutters leave a clean edge on both sides of the came.

	Bit (For Grinder) Also known as a grinder bit, diamond bit, router head and diamond head. General terms used to describe the diamond coated cylinders used on stained glass grinders (routers) to shape glass. These come in various diameters and grit sizes.

	Burnish Tool This tool is used in the process of copper foil construction. It is used to press and smooth the copper foil tape down to the glass.

	Came Bender Tool used to bend metal cames (zinc, copper, brass) into curved shapes without destroying the profile or center channel.

	Cutter (For Glass) General term used to describe the tool used to make the score or break line in glass. The tool consists of small steel or carbide wheel on a axle set into the head, thiscan either be permanently attached or removable. They come in a variety of shapes requiring various grips.

	Fid Originally a tool used by sailors to work loose knots. In stained glass it is used to help burnish the foil to the glass in copper foil construction. It is also used to widen or help manipulate lead and metal cames during construction.

	Foil Shears A three bladed shear used to cut apart stained glass patterns for copper foil construction. The shear removes a very thin strip of material from between the pattern pieces to accommodate the thickness of the foil tape.

	Glass Pliers Tool with wide, toothed jaws that are good for breaking away small edges and rough score lines.

	Glazing Hammer Specially designed hammer used in lead came construction. One head is rubber for tapping glass into place and the other head is hard for use on lead or nails.

	Grozer Pliers These have one curved jaw and one flat jaw, both with finely serrated edges. They are dual purpose pliers used for breaking out scores and grozing flares from the edge of the glass.

	Grinder Generalized term for a router like tool used in stained glass to grind and shape glass pieces. The vertically mounted motor turns a diamond coated head at roughly 3000rpm while water is applied to the surface to provide lubrication and cooling.

Horseshoe Nails

These are flat sided nails, use them to hold glass and lead in place during the contruction of your stained glass work.

	Lead Cutters / Nippers These are for cutting lead came, clean cuts without crushing the came. Spring loaded and comfortable to work with. 6 inches long.

	Lead Knife This professional quality knife is used to cut lead came with a rocking motion. Cuts through lead easily with minimal pressure required. Stays sharp.

	Lead Stretcher Tool used to straighten and stiffen pieces of lead came before they are used in assembly. Set up consists of a lead vice to hold one end of the lead opposite the stretcher. The stretcher itself is a vice attached to a moveable arm. The lead is secured at both ends and as the arm is pulled down, it stretches the lead piece, straightening and stiffening it.

	Lead Vice Tool used to hold one end of the lead came secure while you stretch it.

	Rheostat / Heat Control Device Used to control the flow of electricity to a soldering iron and thus control the amount of heat generated at the tip. Solid-state unit regulates soldering iron temperature for better control of solder beading.

	Ruler (Straight Edge) A must for all your stained glass work. Theres no shortage of different sizes if you have to measure anything you will surely need a ruler or two.

	Running Pliers A tool used for breaking out long thin scores. The tool has a set of curved and padded jaws allowing the user to apply controlled even pressure to both sides of the score.

	Sal Ammoniac Block Also called a tinning block. It is used to clean carbon build up on your soldering tip and for retinning your tip.

	Soldering Iron Tool used to melt and apply the solder during the assembly of your stained glass work. Generally irons used for stained glass are a minimum of 80/100 watts and use a variety of tips.

The End!

Thanks for taking the time to browse this glossary, we hope that it has helped.