A few of you have asked what a basic toolkit for stained glass should contain. There are really only a handful of glass-specific tools you need initially, and many tools from the home can be readily adapted or utilised.

Stained Glass Handtools

1. Glass cutter
2. Grozing Pliers
3. Running Pliers
4. Fid
5. Lead Knife

Soldering iron

There are three main types of iron. Gas, electric with a thermostat and electric without a thermostat. The thermostat allows you to leave the iron on for long periods without it overheating. Otherwise you simply switch it on and off and check the temp before restarting soldering. For ease of use the thermostat is good, but they are more expensive.

The other consideration is power. Just like any power tool, power is good. Electric Irons are available as 80, 100 and 200W. A pro model would be a 200W, thermostat controlled iron, whereas a beginners iron would be rated at 80W and has no thermostat. The higher the rating, the more likely you are to burn out the lead while soldering, so a thermostat on a 100 or 200W electric iron is a good idea.

Other Tools

1. Grinder
2. Hammer
3. Drill/driver
4. Brushes (suede brushes, shoe polishing brushes and wooden handled
scrubbing brushes)
5. Pens, pencils, ruler
6. Square

Hello Gordon
Thanks for the information re the tools. I may indeed indulge in these one day.
In the meantime, as discussed, can you bring me a piece of the blue opaque glass - an A4 ish would be good. Can you also bring some more clear glass like you took in tonight - A4 as well please?
I hope it's not too much trouble to leave it at the school.
Mnay thanks

Katy

Hi Katy

When I checked my e-mail when I got home last night after the class I realised I am going to have to go to Aberdeen today (Weds) and Thursday. That means I won't be at the workshop before Friday so I can't pick up the glass. Sorry about that - I'll just have to bring the glass to next weeks class I'm afraid.

Gordon

Hiya

Hope you got the glass OK - I rang the doorbell but there was nobody around.

Gordon