Posted by Angel on August 23, 2002 at 22:19:22:
In Reply to: foil posted by Lynn Woodmansey on August 23, 2002 at 17:39:04:
Lynn, there's no point in putting a question on a forum and ask for e-mail responses. Nobody else learns anything if they don't see the replies.
OK..here's your problem. Glass is heavy and gravity will eventually pull it apart as it hangs. You should NEVER make a freeform piece (one without a zinc or wood etc. frame) without reinforcing the edges by soldering an unbroken piece of wire all around...then burying it in an edge solder bead. This is a procedure that requires 2 things...a heavy work glove on the hand that holds the piece and patience. Along with that, you can use 20 or 22 gauge pre-tinned wire and some 63/37 solder.
If the edges on the piece are fairly uniform and smooth, you can wrap it in small hoobby sized lead came and secure every seam to the lead with solder. Very irregular edges don't lend themselves to lead, but you can shape and bend wire to fit them. Just be sure the wire is all in one piece...all around.
If you need more help with this procedure, you can e-mail me or even come to the Silicon Folly Glass Forum and ask the people there. Those guys LOVE to give advice and methodology.
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Just recently I made a friend a suncatcher and it came apart, this has been happening to me quite recently, I have been asked to do some suncatchers for my friends shop but wont because of the problem could you please help and if you can please email me at the above address..many thanks..linnie...