soldering stained glass with hardware store solder?

Been there - tried that !

I got the impression that the cheaper stuff is rather more variable in composition - which meant it's less predictable to work with... Also seemed to give a duller finish than the 'proper' stuff.

This isn't scientific, mind - just the result of observation....

Regards Adrian

Oh - and by the way.....

I believe that the risks from working with lead-based solder are exaggerated - you'd need to actually chew the stuff to have a noticeable effect....

Regards Adrian

Actually, the risks come from handling the lead and touching your face, mouth, food and drink as well as your children. Chewing the lead is probably less risky than dealing with the dust. There are a number of documented cases of stained glass workers who were tested after years of work and high blood levels of lead were found. When habits were changed, levels went down. While working with lead came, lead based solders, cleaning soldering, handling windows, especially old windows being repaired, the hands should be washed frequently and use of latex gloves should be considered. The face should not be wiped with the hand to remove sweat or to clear the eyes and habitual moves of touching the chin in thought, resting the hand on the face, rubbing the forehead, rubbing the nose or eyelids in fatigue should be avoided. Food - sandwiches, fruit, etc. - must not be handled without thorough washing and not left around the shop waiting to be eaten. Cans or bottles of beverages which are drunk from directly and open glasses should not remain, full or empty, in the shop.

If there was a cheaper alternative that worked well, we'd all be using it. Get the good stuff, and you'll have a better chance of doing good looking work.

Watch me on May 16th on HGTV's "Hammered" ream out the shows funnyman for being a cheap SOB and using flea market solder.

I bet he wasn't using a 900F tip, either.

I just looked at today's listing, and couldn't find any "Hammered." Has it been rescheduled?

The show got cancelled, and will be on the Do It Yourself Network later this year.