One quick word about safety: Cutting and working with glass is dangerous. Be sure you use eye protection at all times, and use gloves or other safety gear if you are at all concerned about your skill level and the chances of cutting yourself. This is not a hobby for children.
Glass cutter – The first part of making any stained glass project is to learn how to cut glass. And there is only one basic tool that you need to accomplish this, a glass cutter. Glass cutters come in a number of different kinds and styles, but any basic glass cutter will work for starters. As you learn and practice you may want to look into the more specialized types of cutters that are available, but you don’t have to go overboard to get started.
Pliers – There are basically three types of pliers that you will become familiar with as you work with stained glass. These are breaking, grozing and running pliers. But for starters, a set of breaking pliers will get you underway.
Glass Grinder – A grinder for smoothing the edges and shaping the glass is indispensable. Even though you can become very proficient at cutting out stained glass shapes, a grinder makes it very easy to accurately shape the piece to exact size.
Soldering Iron – The last main item you need for your set of basic tools is a soldering iron. Once again there are many different types and styles. But any typical 100 watt standard soldering iron will suffice. This along with a supply of 60/40 solder and some flux and you are set to go.
Foil or Lead Came – Depending on the style of project you decide to start with, you will need foil or came.
Glass – And of course you will need a supply of glass. When you first start, you may want to just get a few pieces of standard clear window glass to practice your cutting skills. While the cost of stained glass is reasonable, window glass is very inexpensive by comparison and spending a few dollars in practicing may potentially save you a lot down the road. Glass suppliers offer glass packs along with stained glass kits that will allow you to get a selection of glass for your first project.
These are the most basic tools that you’ll need to cut and shape stained glass. You will be able to use the pieces you create to make sun-catchers, lamps, windows and any other stained glass item. Don’t be afraid to give it a try. The physical skills of cutting glass and assembling your project are easily learned. Probably the most important skills you need are patience and tenacity.
Take your time and accurately make your individual pieces, and then the finished project will come out to be a beautiful item you’ll be proud of forever.
