Can You Use Any Solder For Stained Glass?

NOTE: Use only solid-core solder . Never use acid or rosin core solder for stained glass. ... Getting started: Once all of your glass pieces fit snugly, you are ready to foil and solder. You don’t need any space between foiled pieces, but can easily fill gaps with solder to up 1/8′′.

Can you use lead free solder on stained glass?

I have been working with it on several stained glass projects, with lead 60/40 solder and standard soldering flux and having no problems. About a month ago, I switched to lead-free solder, and continued with various projects and all was well.

Can you use lead free solder stained glass?

I have been working with it on several stained glass projects, with lead 60/40 solder and standard soldering flux and having no problems. About a month ago, I switched to lead-free solder, and continued with various projects and all was well.

What type of solder is best for stained glass?

The most used solders in stained glass are 60/40 (60% tin/40% lead) 50/50 and 63/37 . “Lead-free” solders have no number designation and are a mix of tin and small amounts of other metals. Also look for “pure” solders–free of impurities. You will spend less but you will get scum as you solder and ruin your iron tip.

Does stained glass solder contain lead?

Lead is a toxic substance that can affect people of any age. ... Unless handled carefully, lead cames and solders used in stained glass and lead lighting can be a health hazard if lead dust is swallowed or inhaled.

Is lead free solder stronger?

From a mechanical influence point of view, lead-free solder is stronger than leaded solder . Furthermore, lead-free solder forms surface oxides, flux impurity, and alloy deposits that can cause poor contact resistance performance.

Does Lead free solder tarnish?

The finish on lead-free solder is a little duller than either 50/50 or 60/40. ... Check with your supplier to see what they recommend for the lead-free solder that they sell. As far as tarnishing is concerned, any metal will oxidize over time when its exposed to the air.

Can you use any flux for stained glass?

Why does my solder look dirty?

When soldering zinc, hold your iron on the zinc a little longer than you would on lead. When soldering zinc to lead, touch the zinc came first to heat it a bit before touching the lead too. The zinc might turn dark and almost look scorched, but this will clean up. ... Practice with some scrap zinc and lead.

What wattage soldering iron do I need for stained glass?

There are three key things to consider when looking at stained glass soldering irons: First, temperature. Your iron should have a heat capacity of between 80 and 200 watts .

What is the difference between 60 40 and 63 37 solder?

63/37 solder is made of 63% tin and 37% lead. It has a melting point of 183°C, slightly lower than the more common 60/40 blend. The primary advantage of this solder is not the lower melting point, but its eutectic property. ... If a joint is moved during this stage, it can result in what is called a cold solder joint.

Can you get lead poisoning from leaded glass?

Possible dangers

Stained glass workers sometimes spend hours on end breathing in dangerous lead particles, significantly increasing their risk of lead poisoning. Having leaded stained glass in your home is not an issue on its own. Leaded glass does become a potential health danger when it’s either ingested or inhaled .

What’s the difference between leaded glass and stained glass?

So what’s the difference, then? In general, leaded glass suggests no color is involved while stained glass implies color. If you have pieces of glass joined together, but the glass is plain/clear, that’d be leaded glass.

Should you wear a mask when soldering stained glass?

Soldering lead will NOT produce particles you can inhale. ... Fine particles of lead produced by the saw, or when you scrape old lead, can easily be inhaled. Always wear a protective mask when doing either of these. The most common way to get lead poisoning is by ingesting it.