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--- stainedglass:start [2026/01/04 16:26] – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
+++ stainedglass:start [2026/08/31 13:31] (current) – Fix instructor table and foil size quote jeff.fabiny
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 ====== Stained Glass ======
+| **Instructor** | Kim Nguyen |
+| **Email** | [[stainedglass@rocmakers.org]] |
+| **Revised** | March 14, 2026 |
+<WRAP tip round>
+===== Welcome to the Glass Area =====
+In this class, you will learn the **Copper Foil** (Tiffany) method. You will transform raw sheets of glass into a finished suncatcher by learning to score, break, grind, foil, and solder.
+</WRAP>
+===== 1. Design & Layout =====
+  * **Pattern Check:** Make sure the curves/angles in the pattern are achievable in glass.
+  * **Organization:** Number each cutout; write down notes for colors, textures, and/or grain direction.
+  * **Duplication:** Make multiple copies as needed for stencils and templates.
+===== 2. Cutting Glass =====
+  * **Sequence:** Trace and cut each piece before starting the next one.
+  * **Efficiency:** Preserve as much of the remaining glass sheet as possible with each cut.
+  * **The Score:** One score, one cut. Cut on the smoother side of glass (flip your cutout before tracing if you want the textured side on the front of your project).
+  * **Breaking:** Use running pliers for straight breaks; tap the back side of glass for curves.
+<WRAP warning round>
+=== Safety: Cutting ===
+  * **Eye protection** is a must for this (and every) step.
+  * Never lean on your work surface (it may contain invisible slivers of glass).
+  * Sweep up glass slivers after every few cuts — sweep slowly to avoid airborne glass dust.
+  * //Optional:// Wear an apron or gloves to catch tiny shards.
+</WRAP>
+===== 3. Grinding Glass =====
+  * **Setup:** Partially fill the grinder reservoir with water (~1/4 inch), soaking the sponge to create water flow.
+  * **Maintenance:** Keep the sponge and wheel wet at all times! Add water periodically.
+  * **Marking:** Use a Sharpie to mark areas of glass that require extra grinding.
+<WRAP warning round>
+=== Safety: Grinding ===
+  * **Water is essential** to avoid hazardous airborne glass dust.
+  * Glass can "kick back" if pushed onto the wheel at the wrong angle.
+  * **Cleanup is critical:** Wet glass sludge is harmless, but **dry glass powder is hazardous to breathe**. Surfaces must be wet-mopped and reservoirs emptied when finished.
+</WRAP>
+===== 4. Applying Copper Foil =====
+  * **Prep:** Thoroughly clean and dry all glass pieces before this step. Gently wipe/pat edges with alcohol prior to foiling.
+  * **Placement:** Do not start tape on an edge that will be on the outside of the final project.
+  * **Technique:** Attach tape and "roll" the glass piece towards you, keeping it centered. Guide the fold so it attaches properly.
+  * **Burnishing:** **Important:** Burnish tape well with a Sharpie, pencil, or burnishing tool.
+  * //Note:// Foil is easy to remove at first, but requires a scraper once pressed on.
+===== 5. Soldering =====
+  * **Layout:** Securely lay out your project on the board with thumb tacks or straight edges.
+  * **Preparation:** Remember to **always apply flux first!**
+  * **Technique:** "Tack" solder all joints, then remove thumb tacks. Try to get a smooth raised bead of solder.
+  * **Heat Management:** Avoid overworking an area. Let the piece cool to avoid "melt-through" on the other side.
+<WRAP caution round>
+=== Safety: Soldering (700°F+) ===
+  * **No Gloves:** Never wear gloves while soldering; they can melt into a much worse burn. Wear an apron instead.
+  * **Fumes:** Use a fan or ventilation — burning flux creates fumes.
+  * **Lead Warning:** Solder contains lead. Wash hands immediately after and avoid touching your face/food.
+  * **Fire Safety:** Always unplug the iron when done and keep it on its stand.
+</WRAP>
+===== 6. Applying Patina & Polish =====
+  * **Cleaning:** Wait for the project to cool, then gently clean all flux off in the sink with soap and a paintbrush.
+  * **Patina:** Apply patina, let sit a few minutes, and then gently rinse.
+  * **Finishing:** Gently apply wax or polish onto the solder and clean the glass.
+===== Clean Up =====
+**Leave the space better than you found it.** In the Stained Glass area, mess is a safety hazard.
+  * Stop **10 minutes** before the end of your session to clean.
+  * Clean all water splashes, powdery residue, glass shards, solder, flux, and patina.
+<WRAP todo round>
+=== Closing Checklist ===
+  * Soldering iron unplugged
+  * Grinders emptied; all surfaces/binders wet-wiped
+  * Tools and projects put away
+  * Work area swept and floor wet-mopped
+  * Lights turned off
+</WRAP>
+===== Supplies & Materials =====
+The Makerspace provides the heavy equipment (grinders, irons, etc.). The class uses shop tools; independent projects require members to bring certain materials.
+<WRAP info round>
+=== What do I need to bring? ===
+**The shop provides:** grinders, soldering irons, glass cutters, pliers, flux, patina, and wax.
+**You provide for independent projects:** glass sheets, copper foil (black-backed 7/32 inch recommended), 60/40 solder, jump rings, and personal safety gear (safety glasses, optional mask).
+Member glass is only from the labeled clear plastic bins. Full or partial sheets outside those bins are reserved for classes.
+</WRAP>