Bevel cluster question

I'm curious as to the manufacturer?

To answer your question, work with what you have, if possible, but also use the tools you have. The manufacturers, at least some of them, assume you are using lead, which gives alot of latitude for the gap, and then cement/grout/putty fills the gap between the lead and glass. It just has to do more of a job when the glass fits that loose. Not the recommended way of doing things, but it is a way of doing it.

Bevel clusters hardly ever fit perfectly well because they are mass produced by hand in China. My guess is that you can be as fussy as you want if it's for yourself, but if you're trying to make money, no one will know the difference when it's done anyway.

I would most likely try to work with the gap but many clusters (as someone else mentioned) are from China. some are better quality than others. Also, many come with different brand names but are made in the same factory. Distributor will order cluster with thier brand name. But, back to your question...grinding will work but you risk scratching the bevel. Plus, you'll most likely have to grind adjoining bevels to make things even out. If you decide to grind, do as little as possible.

Andy

I guess the term "large gap" is relative to the size of lead you are using. Half-inch lead will cover a multitude of sins, while 5/32" doesn't leave much room for error.

Personally, I'd grind them.

I would probably grind as well BUT only if the gap is large enough that, when foiled and soldered, the gap (filled with solder) would look very out of place in relation to the whole design. Bevel clusters tend to be where the eye goes because of their beauty, and to have a big old solder glob where some pieces meet could be visually distracting.

As someone pointed out, tho, be careful when grinding that you don't scratch the surface of the bevel(s). Hopefully it's only one piece that you need to grind down so that it all fits, and you don't get into a round-robin of grinding a little of this piece first, then a little of that piece, and just a bit off a third piece, etc.

Just curious, who was the manufacturer of the cluster?

Ranger Jack

" I can't understand it, I ground this piece three times, that one twice and the first one just a little and its still too small?"

Izzat how you really feel?

Me, too.

Anybody that copper foils bevels should have their hand slammed in a door! Copper foil is for lampshades and people who are too lazy or stupid to learn leadwork!

EXCUUUUUSE ME?????????? m

I'm not sure who the manufacturer is but here is the link to the web site that I found it on (although I didn't order it through this site).

I am not working with lead, hence my concern about the gaps. Thanks to all for the advice. I will attempt to do some careful grinding, as little as possible.

I used to know this oldtimer that only believed in leadwork. When someone brought him a coperfoiled piece to repair he would tell them, "bring it back to the butcher that made it"! Me...... I do both, and gladly will sacrifice the few remaining principles I may have left, to make some money to feed my family. Copper foil bevels? Sure why not?

Guess I'm an old-timer. Going on 27 yeatrs. Copper foil's great for lampshades and suncatchers. Too rigid for windows, especially beveled wiindows. Also lead looks better.

obviously a troll. (And i've got 30 plus years) m

And still wearing a thong, too.

copper is good for the skin.m

I used to wear a copper bracelet that was supposed to help with arthritis. Didn't work.

Didn't know about the skin benefits.

You don't have a link to your website on your sig anymore, is it still up and running?? Can't seem to find it?

Another thing I've given up is my opinion on what stuff looks better then what. I give 'em whatever they want, and get the job!

aWorkofArtGlassStudio.com