As with all things, there is essential equipment and then there is would be nice to have equipment.
Essential Equipment
Soldering Stand
Glass Cutter
Cutting glass is not difficult, but you do need a good glass cutter. There are various glass cutters to choose from. My personal favorite glass cutter is the pistol cutter. It is important to choose a cutter that works well for you, as this is a stained glass tool you will use constantly.
There are basically two types of cutters, one with steel wheels and those with tungsten carbide wheels.
Cutters with steel wheels tend to be less expensive but, usually don't last very long. The steel wheel becomes dull after repetitive use and must be replaced. Steel wheels are good for general purpose or softer glass. The size of the wheel and angle of the bevel on the wheel will determine how hard of a glass it can score.
Tungsten carbide wheels are more expensive than steel wheels. There durability tends to out weigh the cost difference. Many are self-lubricating which can save time.
Glass Grinders
Grinders are used to smooth out cuts and insure exact fitting, as well as to lessen the chance of cutting yourself. The alternative to a grinder is a diamond file. This is less expensive, but the time and effort needed far out weights buying a grinder.
When choosing a grinder consider the size of the work surface, the power of the grinder and the accessories included such as bits, face shield and foot switch.. Additional considerations should be the warranty and price
Soldering Iron
There are a wide variety of different manufactures, types and sizes of soldering irons. Most soldering irons range from 60 to 150 watts with tip sizes ranging from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch. When choosing your iron check out how long it takes to heat up, how long it holds the correct temperature, does it have a temperature controller and are the tips removable.
Probably, the most important thing to consider when doing stained glass soldering, is to choose an iron that feels comfortable in your hand. If the iron is not comfortable, then this will more than likely show up in your solder lines.
Yes, price it a factor, but remember, a good quality soldering iron will last for years and give professional results.
Soldering Iron Stand
After choosing your soldering iron, you will need to purchase a soldering stand. The stand can be simple or elaborate. The simple ones hold your iron and sponge, whereas, the more expensive ones will have a built-in temperature controller, iron stand, sponge, power cord, a solder roll holder, flux bottle well, brush and a catch-all tray. Needless to say, the more elaborate ones will cost more.
Temperature Controller
If your iron does not include a built-in temperature controller, then you will definitely need a separate controller. Using a temperature controller will maintain a constant temperature for your soldering iron.
Breaking Pliers and Grozer Pliers
These two hand tools are used for breaking glass. Breaking pliers are used after you score a line and want to break the glass. Grozer pliers are used for breaking away small areas of glass.
Semi-Optional Equipment
Foiler Burnisher
A foiler burnisher is used with Tiffany construction (copper foil). This tool will allow you to securely press and adhere the copper foil to the glass. A burnisher is an inexpensive tool though you could use a tongue depressor.
Table Foiler
A table foiler automatically peels off the paper backing, centers it to the edges of the glass and partially crimps it. Using a table foiler will also eliminate copper foil from unwinding and becoming tangled.
Came Saw
Came saws are used to cut metal came in either zinc, brass or copper. Came saws range from a manual model to a power mitre chop saw.
A manual came saw consist of a precision saw and a mitre vise. This is the least expensive of all came saws, but will require more time and effort. Electric power came saws range from 90 to 250 watt units. Blade sizes vary from 2 inches to 5 ¾ inches.
All came saws adjust from 0 to 45 degrees allowing for proper mitres.
The more powerful the came saw, the easier it will cut, not to mention durability.
Cork-Backed Stainless Steel Ruler
This is a steel ruler that is backed in cork. This is nice when drawing or cutting lines on glass. The cork backing eliminates the ruler from slipping.
Soft Bristle Scrub Brush
The soft bristle scrub brush is great for polishing your stained glass. With its soft bristles, it is able to get into the tiniest crevices.
A Fid
This inexpensive tool is used to widen came. This becomes very important when using heavily textured glass.
Optional Stained Glass Tools
Glass Saw
A glass saw is a nice addition to a stained glass workshop. With a glass saw you can make intricate cuts that otherwise would not be possible.
Glass saws can be a ring saw, band saw or wire saw. A ring saw has a circular diamond coated blade that allows you to cut in all directions. The band saw has a linear diamond coated blade and can cut glass up to ¾ of an inch thick. The wire saw has the thinnest blade giving you more flexibility for cutting intricate shapes and narrow cut lines.
All three types of saws come with various built-in features. It is up to you as to which one to choose. It needs to meet your own personal needs.
Came Bender
The came bender will perform precision curves on zinc, brass and copper came. This means greater design freedom when rigid came is used. With the came bender you can make circular and oval panels.
Copper Foil Sheers
These are specially designed sheers that will cut paper pattern pieces leaving the correct spacing needed for copper foil or lead.
Layout Blocks
These are used to hold cut pieces of glass together until you are ready to solder.
Glass Cutting Systems
There is a variety of glass cutting systems available. These systems will allow you to make repetitive and geometric shapes. Some of the more popular systems include Morton Portable Glass Shop, Circle and Strip Cutters, and Jitter Bug.
Light Box
The light box is nice for drawing patterns and viewing glass combinations.
Glass Drills
Glass drills are use to drill holes in glass.
Special Price!!! PanaVise Model 201 "Junior" Miniature Vise
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PanaVise Model 201 "Junior" Miniature Vise Feature
- Easy-to-use single knob controls head movement through 3-planes: 210 degree Tilt, 360 Turn & 360 Rotation
- Fine/coarse adjusting knob controls jaw pressure for delicate work
- Grooved jaws are excellent for holding small objects and are made of reinforced thermal composite plastic
- Continuous heat tolerance to 350 F (177 C), intermittent heat up to 450 F (204 C)
- Limited Lifetime Warranty!
PanaVise Model 201 "Junior" Miniature Vise Overview
The PanaVise 201 "Junior" miniature vise is a combination of quality workmanship and durability, ease of adjustment and available accessories. Designed for use in small projects requiring precise soldering, gluing and tool work, the 201 Junior miniature vise features tilt adjustability up to 210-degrees along with 360-degree turns and rotations, fine and course clamping abilities, grooved jaws for easy holding power, heat-tolerant jaws, compatibility with other vise components and more.
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Turn, Tilt and Rotate Clamped Items at Will
The PanaVise Model 201 Junior miniature vise is a versatile, multi-use mini-vise that is suitable for use in everything from arts and crafts, to model making, electronics and other small projects. Lightweight, yet durable, the vise is designed around a vise head assembly constructed of a black glass reinforced thermal composite alloy connected to a die cast zinc base by PanaVise's patented ball joint clamp system, known as a "split-ball." The split-ball system not only holds items within the vise head assembly securely in position, but also allows for maneuvering of them along three separate planes. The complete range of mobility possible with the split-ball joint clamp system is a 210-degree tilt to the left or right, along with either an angled rotation or level turn range of 360 degrees. This range of mobility, especially the large left-to-right tilt, allows you to rearrange items being worked on into virtually any position, limiting the need to adjust the overall position of the vise or the item within the vise.
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The head assembly of the PanaVise 201 Junior miniature vise contains a number of convenient additional features users will find valuable. The first of these revolves around is its ability to securely and safely hold items. Although the 1" wide by 2" tall, the jaws of the 201 Junior miniature vise are able to secure both tough small jobs as well as delicate jobs by way of their dual adjustment mechanism that allows for both course and fine adjustments. In addition, the holding power of the jaws can be softened further with an optional padded accessory for holding extremely delicate items (sold separately). Next, the upper ends of both jaws contain grooved ridges. These ridges are designed for detailed work with flat, angled items like circuit boards. Also, since ideal vise uses such as circuit board wiring and jewelry making, involve soldering, the vise head assembly of the PanaVise 201 Junior miniature vise is highly resistant to heat, with a continuous heat tolerance to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and intermittent heat up to 450 degrees F (204 degrees C).
Flexible Base Mount Options
The PanaVise 201 Junior miniature vise offers great flexibility of its mount possibilities. The zinc base included can be used as a stand-alone support when working with light items, or can be used to secure the vise permanently to a flat surface via its three countersunk holes (screws not included). In addition to this, the PanaVise 201 Junior miniature vise is compatible with a range of base accessories that allow for mounting and using your vise wherever your work takes you.
Key Features
- Multi-use mini-vise suited to small-sized projects like arts and crafts, model making, electronics, jewelry making and more
- The easy-to-use "split-ball" adjustment element utilizes single knob controls for head movement through 3-planes
- Fine/coarse adjusting knob controls jaw pressure for delicate work
- Grooved jaws are excellent for holding small objects and are made of reinforced thermal composite plastic
- Durable, heat-tolerant vise head assembly construction
- The vise features compatibility with all PanaVise base mounts and many other accessories
Specifications
- Overall height: 6-3/4" (173 mm)
- Rotation: 360 degrees
- Swivel: 360 degrees
- Pivot: 210 degrees
- Continuous heat tolerance: Up to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C)
- Intermittent heat tolerance: Up to 450 degrees F (204 degrees C)
- Vise opening: up to 2.875" (73 mm)
- Jaw width: 1" (25.4 mm)
- Jaw height: 2" (50.8 mm)
- Weight: 1.2 lbs. (0.6 kg)
- Base
- 4.3125" (109.5 mm) diameter bolt circle
- .300" center hole
- Three counter sunk holes for 1/4" (6.3 mm) flathead screws (not included)
- Compatible with other PanaVise base mounts
What's in the Box
- PanaVise model 201 "Junior" miniature vise (includes model 203 PanaVise head assembly, PanaVise Junior base)
- User's manual and warranty information
Limited Lifetime Warranty
All PanaVise products are warranted against defective materials and/or workmanship to all original consumer owners from the date of original consumer purchase for the lifetime of ownership by the original consumer owner. In the event of defective materials and/or workmanship, PanaVise Products, Inc. will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, the defective product within 60-days from the receipt of the defective product. The Warranty does not apply to damage not resulting from defective materials and/or workmanship while in the possession of the original consumer or to unreasonable use by the original consumer, which includes but is not limited to improper installation, or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance.
About PanaVise
Founded in 1957 by tool and die maker Otto Colbert and currently headquartered in Reno, Nevada, PanaVise is a leader in work holding products. Over the years, a natural outgrowth of this expertise has been continued development of other items which hold things securely and offer a wide range of motion. Important areas in which this has been applied include, Electronics, CCTV Camera Mounts, and Audio/Video Mounts, earning PanaVise the nickname the "the hold it anywhere you want it company."
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