Fusing Glass Discussions

Funny you should mention that, flux and pour. Ever hear of Belcher windows? Ever see one? check these out, the lead was poured in, glass trapped in a mold of some kind, I admittedly don't know how it was done, but I have seen a few of them, interesting stuff.

That was my point. 100 watts of heat is 100 watts of heat. Tip temperature in this context is irrelevant.

Me too. The Weller 100 with 700 degree tip suited me fine.

I've seen and fixed lots of lamps poured this way... I wonder if anyone is still doing this stuff?

Hmm, I have never seen a lamp made this way, I don't know if you realize it, but there is no glass on either side of those windows. it is just the little pieces held in place by the lead. Word has it there was mercury in the lead alloy that allowed it to flow that way. but I have no idea how true that is. This glass is not attached to anything to keep it upright.

Yes I've seen about a dozen lamps like this over the years. The "lead" is very pourous looking and brittle if you break it down. Somekind of alloy. It overlaps the glass by a tiny margin to hold it in place. No idea how it's done.

Oh gosh, Michele, were it only that simple... a newbie I ain't!

Did you go look at the link to the Belcher windows? Done in the late 19th century. There is no clear glass on either side of them, I have had some in my studio, and the guy at that website is a customer of mine... the metal was somehow poured between two halves of a form that held the glass in place. NO grout, no foil, (that I have seen) and they are pretty darn solid. there was a write up in SGAA Stained Glass a while ago by Barb Krueger. They are interesting.

I have seen the new mosaic stuff, this ain't it.

And thus was a waffle iron born.