Lead Came Tools You Need To Make Your Stained Glass Projects

Here are some lead came tools you need to make your stained glass projects easier to construct.

As with any other project, constructing stained glass suncatchers using lead came is easy when you have the right equipment.

Depending on your experience and budget, there are many different types of stained glass tools and variations that you can use for constructing your projects.

The following suggested list of tools and supplies are used primarily in lead came stained glass construction.

• A Leading Knife

A sharp leading knife is one of the basic lead came tools you need to make your stained glass projects and to cut the lead came into usable lengths. The end of the leading knife is used to tap the stained glass into the came channel.

• A Sharpening Stone

A good sharpening stone is something you need to keep your leading knife as sharp as possible at all times.

• A Good Pair Of Lead Nippers

A good pair of lead nippers is one of those "must have" lead came tools. Nippers are needed to cut straight and trim the came.

• A Came Bender

The came bender tool is normally secured to your workbench and is used to prevent crushing the channel and scratching the face of the came.

• A Came Notcher

A came notching tool cuts U shaped metals at a 45 or 90 degree angle without going entirely through the back of the came.

• A Came Saw

A good circular power came saw is needed if you intend to cut harder metal came like brass, zinc or copper. For beginners or those on a limited budget, a less expensive Clean Cut - Mitre Box will do essentially the same job.

• A Lead Vise

A Lead Vise is needed to hold one end of the came as you stretch it to remove any kinks and improve it's tensile strength. One end of a came piece is held by the lead vise while the other end is being held and pulled using a pair of pliers.

• A Fid

The Fid is a simple tool used to open crushed channels so the stained glass can be more easily fitted into the channel.

• Horseshoe Nails

Horseshoe nails are used to hold the pieces of stained glass in the channel as you lead up your pattern. They are necessary to hold your pattern in place until you solder up the joints.

The lead came tools you need to make your stained glass projects can be found at any stained glass supply house.