| We had a metalworking artist build a | | | | gentle pressure. I don't want to crack my |
| framework for a pool table lamp. It was a | | | | glass.I let the frame work sit for 24 hours |
| little tricky but not difficult to install | | | | so that the silicone can set and cure |
| the glass. We don't electrify lamps, because | | | | properly.Here, Jeanne has just applied the |
| that would require U.L. listings and the | | | | black patina to the final panel and cleaned, |
| costs for custom work would be prohibitive. | | | | waxed and polished it.I stand the frame so |
| What we do instead is call the lamp a "lamp | | | | gravity will work in my favor, remove extra |
| shade" and allow local electricians to | | | | sticks that were being used to clamp the |
| install whatever light package they | | | | panels and ease the final panel in place. I |
| desire.The panels are all built and sized to | | | | have to get the widest edge into the |
| fit into the metal frame that I had built for | | | | framework first and the pull the panel up |
| the pool table lamp. After dry fitting each | | | | into place so that the whole thing fits |
| piece to make sure they would fit, I put a | | | | perfectly. I do it without silicone first so |
| small bead of clear silicone caulk around the | | | | that I am sure it fits and then I bed it into |
| inside of the angle iron.I have to gently | | | | the silicone.At each corner, I make sure |
| ease the panel in place without allowing it | | | | there isn't any pressure against the glass |
| to fold over since there are weaknesses in | | | | and I add a bead of silicone between the |
| the glass design where the lead lines provide | | | | panels to fill the slight gap between them. I |
| no support and depend on the frame they are | | | | make sure there is a little space between |
| going in for support.Once it's inside the | | | | them because I don't want the glass edges to |
| frame, I gently lay it in place and center | | | | touch. If they do, heat expansion could cause |
| the gaps to be equal on each side. I'm | | | | them to expand and break each other. Silicone |
| careful not to let the glass hit the metal | | | | will protect against breakage.I put sticks |
| edges of the frame and chip.I then apply | | | | and clamps against the final piece to hold it |
| silicon to the side panel frame and ease the | | | | in place and I gently place a book on the |
| first side panel in place.Same thing with the | | | | panel to hold it against the frame where I |
| other side panel, add silicone and ease the | | | | can't easily get a clamp to fit. Once the |
| panel in place. I have to be very careful not | | | | silicone sets the glass fits well into the |
| to allow too much pressure between the glass | | | | lamp and it's done. Gomm started building |
| pieces. I even cut and grind some of the | | | | stained glass windows professionally back in |
| pieces so that the fit doesn't have too much | | | | 1983 and has become an expert at many aspects |
| pressure.I take little strips of wood and c | | | | of stained glass building, design and repair. |
| clamps to keep the glass tight against the | | | | He writes a monthly newsletter at his better |
| frame, but I'm careful to only apply very | | | | stained glass website. |