Leading
Circles
and ovals as well as irregular shapes significant support as leading
often involves sideways pressures to fit the lead to the pieces of
glass. Thus there are two main methods of support for the perimeter
of the panel.
You
can cut supporting pieces of glass to place around the perimeter.
These need to be cut to the outside of the perimeter cut line. These
supports must be in at least two or more pieces to enable the came to
be put in place progressively. You then assemble the perimeter lead
into it and continue to lead up as normal. The perimeter support can
also be made from thin plywood or similar materials. This can be
useful if the shape is to be repeated.
A
simple means of supporting irregular shapes while leading is to place
a number of nails around the inside edge of the cut line. There need
to be enough to support each piece of glass with at least two nails.
So you may need to add more nails to the initial set up. Build the
panel without the perimeter leads. When the interior is assembled,
put the perimeter came around the panel. Ensure the fully leaded
panel fits within the dimensions of the opening. Then solder as
normal.
Copper
foil
The
above methods can be used, but are often a bit heavy duty for copper
foil processes. Instead of glass, timber or nails you can use more
easily cut materials. Such things as stiff double walled cardboard,
foam board etc., are suitable for light duty. You can cut the
complete shape from these materials, but only good if no pressure is
used in fitting the pieces.
If
you are likely to repeat the shape and size, you can use plywood or
similar materials. Build inside the shape and remove it when the
whole is soldered on the first side.
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