Pattern Scissors Usage

The purpose of pattern shears/scissors is to cut out the space between pattern pieces equivalent to the came heart or the space needed for foil.

The scissors come in two thicknesses – one for leaded and the thinner for copper foil.

If you must use them:Use in short cutting motions. Use only the first 50mm of the blades which are closest to the pivot point. Otherwise the paper jams in between the blades. It remains difficult to cut long straight lines without quickly having an “accordion” of paper blocking the cutting action.

Some suggestions to make things easier:
- Clean the blades regularly. If you are cutting anything with adhesives, clean the blades after each use with spirits.
- Often running a little soap along the blades helps to smooth the action of the blades.
- Use stiff high quality paper so you do not catch fibres in the scissors. Waxed paper or stencil card are good materials to use.

Organising pattern pieces.
- You have made a second and third copy of the cartoon haven’t you?
- Now that you have a lot of pieces what do you do with them?
- Mark any grain direction before you cut the pieces apart.

You need to code the pieces in some way.
- Numbering with reference to the main cartoon is most common.
- It is a good idea to colour code the pieces and if the surface will take it, a shading of the colour makes a quick visual reference.

Keeping the pieces together.
- Envelopes are easy to write on for colours, or areas such as borders, background, etc.
- Freezer bags that are transparent and have a band to write on are very good, as you can see the pieces without opening the bag.
- You need a labelled bag or container to keep all the envelopes together.


Alternatives to pattern scissors
- For copper foil, you can use normal scissors, by cutting to the inside of the pencil or inked line. - You can also use a scalpel or craft knife to cut to the insides of the marked lines.
- For leaded glass you can use a felt tip pen (a bullet point is almost exactly the right width when new). Cut with scissors or craft knife at the sides of the line.

Alternative to pattern piecesUse the European or trace cutting method as described here.

Removing Stick-on Lead and Film

It is possible to do this. It is a labour intensive process. You do need to be careful to avoid scratching the glass.

Cut through a lead line and carefully rip away the lead tape, being careful to not pull so hard that you flex the centre of the glass and cause it to break. You will need considerable force. The bulk of the lead is probably positioned over the film, so bulk of the the glue residue from the lead tape will come off when the film is peeled away. With a spray bottle mist the glass with white spirit and scrub using a cloth. If the glue is especially resistant use a broad wallpaper scraper and cover it with the kerosene soaked cloth to scrape the glue off. Use vinyl or latex gloves.

However, the manufacturer comments that stained glass overlay is virtually impossible to remove. It is better to replace the glass. It will save time, expense and possible tears.

Commissioning

Commissioning a stained glass window, screen or lamp involves entering into a contract with the designer/maker. It is therefore important that both client and maker know exactly what is involved.

· The price of the work should be established. The materials used in the making of a window, especially the glass itself, can be expensive and the possibility of commissioning a well-designed leaded light should not be ignored.

· The maker will need to know the budget for the work and will provide an estimate, and may require a down payment before beginning work and perhaps payment by instalments, depending upon the cost of the materials involved.

The designer will prepare a preliminary design, according to the client's brief.

· The design should indicate the nature of the construction and the position of any ferramenta or physical support.

· This design should be as detailed as possible. It may be accompanied by samples of the proposed glasses.

· The client must be prepared to recompense an artist for design(s) prepared according to a brief, whether or not it proceeds to execution.

· The copyright in all cases remains the property of the artist.

The arrangements for the execution of the commission must also be satisfactorily established, including those for installation. If necessary, the advice of an architect should be sought; for church commissions, the architect responsible for the church should be involved from the outset. If the window is to be sited in an exposed position or in an area where vandalism is known to be a problem, protective measures should be considered.

Also look at Commission Agreements

Effect of Plaster-Water Ratio on Some Properties

Plaster-water ratio (by weight) 100/30

Setting time (min) 1.75
Compression strength (kg/sq.cm) 808
Dry Density (kg/cu metre) 1806

Plaster-water ratio (by weight) 100/40

Setting time (min) 3.25
Compression strength (kg/sq.cm)474
Dry Density (kg/cu metre) 1548

Plaster-water ratio (by weight) 100/50

Setting time (min) 5.25
Compression strength (kg/sq.cm)316
Dry Density (kg/cu metre) 1352

Plaster-water ratio (by weight) 100/60

Setting time (min) 7.24
Compression strength (kg/sq.cm)228
Dry Density (kg/cu metre) 1206

Plaster-water ratio (by weight) 100/70

Setting time (min) 8.25
Compression strength (kg/sq.cm)175
Dry Density (kg/cu metre) 1083

Plaster-water ratio (by weight) 100/80

Setting time (min) 10.50
Compression strength (kg/sq.cm)126
Dry Density (kg/cu metre) 990

Plaster-water ratio (by weight) 100/90

Setting time (min) 12.00
Compression strength (kg/sq.cm)98
Dry Density (kg/cu metre) 908

Plaster-water ratio (by weight) 100/100

Setting time (min) 13.75
Compression strength (kg/sq.cm) 70
Dry Density (kg/cu metre) 867


This table of relationships makes it clear that the less weight of water added to the plaster, the stronger the resulting mould will be. It also is clear that with less water, the setting time is reduced. So some compromise may be needed to be able to pour the mixture before it sets.