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