solder prices, etc.

Obtaining the right solder over here in Turkey has been an 'issue' for me right from the start. It was recommended that I purchase a brand I haven't heard of before: Feray... I'm assuming it's locally produced for the glass trade...I was told that almost everyone working with stained glass here uses this brand. It's either 60/40 or 63/37..I'm not sure...I'll know later today when it arrives!

I ordered the most economical amount...3 kg for about $50. Sure beats the heck out of the imported stuff for almost $10 for a one pound roll!

What I need help with actually is an estimate of how much solder on average would be used on a square foot of stained glass. Has anyone ever computed their usage this way...is there another way to gauge how much solder is used per square foot?

I'm asking this because my first project is more or less a 'gift' to my village....they have offered to pay for the materials, but i'm giving them my time gratis as a way of thanking them for their hospitality and kindnesses since i came to this village.

I'd like to know what you 'experts' think about how much solder needs to be ordered. I can figure out the glass easy enough...but I am stumped about the solder.

Thanks again,

Arlene

It is much simpler to "bulk" your supplies/materials into a per sq ft cost all together. If you are using rather common domestic glass, the lower end of the cost scale, then you might estimate your lead, solder, glass, pattern material, glass cleaner, flux, flux brush, cement/grout/putty, foil (if that's your method), etc, etc, etc, then figure $15/ sq ft., for better glass, push it up a tad, for the best glass, push it up some more. Unless you are doing only one pattern, using the same amount of all materials every time, there is no way to figure out how much solder you use per sq ft., and it would be foolish to try. Weigh the roll when you start a project and weigh it when you are done? Nah, too much foolishness, and wasted time.

If the piece is a gift to the village, then make it truly a gift and don't worry about material cost, that will be very minor compared to labor. Are you going to build a 3 or 4 hundred dollar panel and then tell them they owe you $20? Nah, give it up and you will get it back a hundred times. Do that piece because you love it, the material cost won't even be noticed.

Just my thoughts....