No More Lumpy Soldered Edges - Stained Glass

Do you feel let down or disappointed by your stained glass soldering?
Do you have lumpy stained glass soldered edges? Learn how to make stained glass you are proud of by improving your stained glass soldering technique. This instruction will show you how to make smooth, rounded soldered edges.
✅ Would you like to cut perfect inside curves every time? Then you might be interested in my free fully illustrated eBook called 'Cutting Perfect Curves'. Here's the link to get it now:
everythingstai...
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
//Milly's Recommended Tools and Equipment
**Hakko FX-601 Soldering Iron** amzn.to/2WtkB2M
The Queen of stained glass soldering irons, the Hakko FX-601. This ticks all the must-have and wish-list boxes. I waited quite a while to buy mine but now I absolutely love its heat retention, adaptability and lightness.
**Canfield 60/40 Solder - 1 Lb** amzn.to/2Nr2hmt
**Copper foil** amzn.to/2CtTNWA
**Flux** amzn.to/2NRohqV
**Respirator Mask** amzn.to/33v8HrK
**Safety Glasses** amzn.to/2JZuVtZ
**MG Chemicals Lead Free Tip Cleaner** amzn.to/31SQS4g
**Kwik Clean Flux Cleaner 16 Oz** amzn.to/2PxHpwS
**Fume Extractor** amzn.to/2q6BHXM
// LINKS
My main website has lots more Free stained glass tutorials and tips on how to make better stained glass with confidence:
everythingstai...
If you want a complete end to end structured course in how to make stained glass I have some paid online courses too:
everythingstai...
Follow me on Pinterest:
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➡️// WHAT TO WATCH NEXT - MY MOST WATCHED VIDEOS
Improve your stained glass with these cutting Videos:
• Stained Glass Cutting ...
//NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links to products I use myself. Just so's you know, if you click and buy through any of these Amazon links I may get a small % from them (not you!). Thanks in advance but no worries if you have a local store - I'd always support them first.
Happy creating,
Milly

[@browny2525sav]

I’ve watched so many videos on soldering edges of stained glass and this is the first that has made sense, thank you!

[@everything-stained-glass]

How lovely to hear, thanks so much for commenting.

[@MarianShaw-w1k]

Your instructions are so clear & encouraging. I was dreading finishing a thistle but with your guidance I feel I can go ahead with more confidence.

[@everything-stained-glass]

Oh that's so nice to hear Marian, thanks so much. Glad to help :-)

[@merrymaker1031]

good to see someone beading edges properly for a change. So many people cant seem to bothered to spend time finishing their projects properly

[@everything-stained-glass]

Glad you appreciate the finishing touches Merry Maker. I agree; well worth doing and a piece seems unfinished without beaded edges.

[@kathencowan]

Milly, I just want to say, I have watched this video 4 or 5 times. I want it memorized in my brain. You are such an artist - I love how you work, organize & create. Thank you!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Oh that's great to read Kathen, thanks so much. I'm so glad the video helped.

[@itsgoodforthesoul9749]

I just started soldering. My preference right now is jewelry - I just went for it. First two items...chunky or as I would call them "rustic" the next 2 got better and the 3rd was even better. After watching your technique I will be even better yet. I wondred where would i find a similar glove. I really rather not burn myself. Maybe down the road a little stained glass is in my future. You were brilliant with your video and I am so grateful to watch you work.

[@everything-stained-glass]

It's great when you see improvement in your soldering - it encourages you to keep going :-) Glad you found the video helpful. The gloves are gardening gloves. They're not heat resistant so no good for prolonged heat but they withstand the small drops of solder.

[@m-jb7090]

I love your videos! You are a fantastic teacher! I will definitely apply this finishing technique on my future projects. Thank you so so so much! 🙋🏻‍♀️🇨🇦

[@everything-stained-glass]

How nice, thanks :-) And you're welcome. I love it when people use my videos to improve their stained glass - and these edges will.

[@waterboy8999]

Thank you, I use to make terrariums a long time ago and came for a refresher as I plan on making a vew again. This was just the job. Best wishes from Scotland

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're most welcome waterboy, glad it helped. Love Scotland :-)

[@eliskadamborska8393]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed! I graduated from stained glass but my teacher has never shown me this trick. Thank you!

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're most welcome Eliška. Sometimes with face-to-face classes things get forgotten with other questions, I'm sure your teacher knew this :-)

[@sleepychamaeleon]

A good technique. What I particularly like is that because you dab the solder on first, you have a hand free to hold the work instead of needing to clamp it.

[@everything-stained-glass]

+sleepychamaeleon yes, because you're always moving it to keep it horizontal, much better than clamping.

[@sa1laway]

Hi Milly, So I tuned in to KZbin to watch another video about stained glass. When all of a sudden you brought out your butterfly. Wasn't I pleasantly surprised when that's exactly what I am working on, a large frameless butterfly. I was about to give up...but “ if Milly can do it”….you helped me so much thank you.

[@everything-stained-glass]

Ha ha that's very good to know, thanks sa1laway :-)

[@mdinunzio7610]

Just getting back in to doing stained glass after being away from it for quite some time. This video is very informative. Beading was never my strong point but I think your instructions will be extremely helpful

[@everything-stained-glass]

That's so good to hear Cyclops, thanks!

[@alexschlecht8547]

Thank you for this video. I was really struggling and this video made sense. During my second playback and after, I went over and over on a cloud I was working on until I was comfortable with your technique and the edges looks amazing. Thank you again!

[@everything-stained-glass]

How lovely for me to read Alex. I'm so glad it helped with your edges. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@seekerout]

Thank you for such clear instructions. You should have more subscribers.

[@everything-stained-glass]

That's kind of you to say Sandy, thanks. Spread the word :-)

[@DreadMegh]

Such a sensible approach, thank you for sharing - I would never have thought to drop beads of solder down the sides of the piece after tinning my front and back. I am eager to give this a try, I think it will really help improve my technique.

[@everything-stained-glass]

I hope it worked for you when you tried it out !

[@annemarieglass3884]

This is an excellent tutorial. Very clear and precise instructions. Great tips as well.

[@everything-stained-glass]

That's really good to know Annemarie, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@debbietwhittington4477]

I am just learning how to solder on stained glass thank you for all your tips you make it really easy to understand

[@everything-stained-glass]

Oh that's really good to know Debbie, thank you. Make my 'teacher heart' soar!

[@fabriziofiore9393]

oh, that was helpful! I used to leave the edges flat. this is so much more good looking actually. thanks!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Great Fabrizio, we want good looking stained glass :-)

[@tatertott2390]

Thank you! Ive been having a heck of a time doing the edges of my pieces! Excited to try these tricks

[@everything-stained-glass]

I hope they work for you Tator Tott; come back and let us know if you have any other comments or suggestions.

[@catherineveleker6822]

Thank you so much! This tutorial has really improved the appearance of my work. And I love your soothing voice.

[@everything-stained-glass]

That's brilliant to know Catherine, thanks for taking the time to comment and the compliment, I think it must be my accent :-)

[@Practice_Kindness-1st]

@@everything-stained-glass-Your voice & your accent.

[@michaelkolozsvari3575]

Thank you for posting this. Brushing up on my soldering before introducing my Boy Scouts to Stained Glass, and this was extremely helpful!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Thanks Michael, hope the Scouts got hooked

[@TenderheartTreasuresKy]

Thank you so much for this fantastic tutorial- you made it so easy to understand!

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're most welcome Angela, I hope it helps with those pesky lumpy edges :-)

[@shirleystegall137]

Excellent instructional video. Thank you so much for sharing your skills.

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're welcome Shirley, thanks for your comment.

[@nutimikguy]

Thanks for the video. I've been muddling along through trial and error.

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're welcome Denis, glad to be of help.

[@emilyayre8555]

Thanks very much!! I’ve not done edged beading since I learned in school twenty years ago 😬 so MAY have forgotten tips. So thanks very much for helping me with finishing my pieces!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Welcome back to stained glass Emily :-) Glad this helps with the memory nudging.

[@dka0700]

Wow great technique. Never been able to produce clean edges like this. Appreciate you sharing, it's saved me a lot of frustration.

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're most welcome. Like with most stained glass things... if you break it down into small pieces and don't try to do everything at once you'll have more success. You can always speed up later!

[@oulewappeur76]

Thanks! This was very hulpfull.

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're most welcome Bregjes, glad it helped

[@Practice_Kindness-1st]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I've struggled for so long in perfecting my beading and have not accomplished it until now! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! I'm a new subscriber!

[@everything-stained-glass]

What a Positive Comment, you're living up to your name Positive Words :-) Thanks for taking the time to post, I appreciate it.

[@franckledoux7008]

Good afternoon, Thank you for this demonstration. have a good week-end!

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're most welcome Franck, same to you re-the weekend :-)

[@theresevarney4715]

I could listen to you for hours! Your voice is so calming and I adore your accent. You are a wonderful teacher. I would like to see how you do lead and hobby came. I hear people say hobby, lead, and zinc frames. What is the difference? I hope you have a Merry 🎄 Christmas! Big fan and sub from Washington State, USA 🇺🇸

[@everything-stained-glass]

Ha ha, thanks Therese. I have a structured course on Lead Came here: www.everything-stained-glass-school.com/p/lead-stained-glass-artistry-1 and lots of free information tutorials here: everythingstainedglass.com/making-stained-glass

[@GenNairick1]

Great Video.. thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@everything-stained-glass]

It's good to know you liked it Gen, thanks for posting.

[@hattiebethsterns8006]

Thank you so much this was super helpful!!!

[@everything-stained-glass]

I love that it helped you Hattie, thanks for commenting.

[@tracyobrien2816]

Yes thank you, brilliant

[@everything-stained-glass]

Aw, that's kind Tracy, thanks.

[@alejandrocampos4733]

Me gusta mucho como cuidas los pequeños detalles , eso casi siempre da muy buenos resultados . un saludo .me he suscrito a tu canal seguiré viendo tu trabajo ...

[@everything-stained-glass]

Thanks for your kind comments Alejandro.

[@valiskierka7226]

Thanks so much, this is something I have struggled with in the past.

[@everything-stained-glass]

+Val Iskierka you're welcome, I hope it helped.

[@angelakosie6948]

Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're very welcome Angela. Glad you found it helpful.

[@99carnot]

Helpful! Thanks and have a good day!

[@deeoreilly5413]

How does this work for large pieces that you cannot pick up? In other words,how do you tin both sides on a larger piece? Your tips and explanations are always so easy to follow and understand. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Good question Dee. I only finish smaller pieces and irregular sun catchers with this method. I finish the edges of larger panels off with either lead came or zinc for added strength.

[@deeoreilly5413]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. That makes alot of sense.@@everything-stained-glass

[@barbaramasterson6445]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video and for sharing it with us. Merry Christmas by the way.

[@everything-stained-glass]

+Barbara Masterson bit late on to this! Hope you found it helpful.

[@safebeauty9162]

Can you make a video for beginners? I want to make a stained glass window panel but I would love the learn the best tips on joining the glass pieces together! Please and thank you!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Hi safe beauty - thanks for your question. Happily, I have made just the thing you're asking for - my Stained Glass Made Perfect course. You can see if it's right for you here: everythingstainedglass.com/stained-glass-diy

[@colocheri]

Thanks very much - this makes it so much easier!

[@everything-stained-glass]

+Cheryl Butler glad it helped - those edges are a bit tricky, you need 3 hands :-)

[@Kat-of2uh]

Very envious of your skill. I can’t seem to get soldering correct.

[@everything-stained-glass]

Try not to panic and use the tip to your advantage Kat - try using just the corner of it if you want to slow it down. Good luck!

[@jenjabba6210]

Very nice.

[@everything-stained-glass]

thank you, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@99carnot]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for saying so :-)

[@justlookatitjustlookatthis8794]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Good to know, love your name, btw!

[@paulligatto8476]

I found this to be pretty difficult a technique to apply, but this does seem to be a good way to proceed if one is going to try.

[@everything-stained-glass]

It's not the easiest thing to achieve Paulli but with practise I'm sure you'll get the hang of it :-)

[@aliceharvey1226]

Very helpful technique, thanks for sharing. What flux do you use for this?

[@everything-stained-glass]

Liquid flux Alice. Glad you found it helpful.

[@suesanrotella8759]

Another excellent video! Thank you. What type of glove are you using while soldering?

[@everything-stained-glass]

It's a gardening glove - not heat proof but enough to remind me to be careful, if you know what I mean! Glad you like my videos @suesan

[@ratherretro7694]

Wow!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're welcome Tina, hope it helps you with your stained glass beaded edges :-)

[@kaybunn9129]

Unique about putting the little beads of solder around. I shall try that. I need to know how hot the iron should be? I have a Weller in the States and it goes with numbers 1-5. I try to use a 4 but solder flattens out. Could perhaps the size of the tip make difference. I mainly do foiled windows. How often to you take off the flux? I didn't know it evaporates. I use a paste but have used a liquid flux also. This was enlightening.

[@everything-stained-glass]

+Kay Bunn I use a Weller 100 with a 7 tip - so 700F. I just wipe the flux off at the end. Keep adding as I go.

[@nuritefrimalesch6391]

Kay Bunn האוגי והמקקימ

[@777Inaya]

Is it wrapped in copper tape? Very helpful video !!

[@everything-stained-glass]

It's wrapped in copper foil Joe. That's what you stick around each piece of glass before soldering them all together to make your stained glass. Glad you found it helpful, thanks.

[@thursday.addams]

What temperature do you have your iron on as you do this? Whenever I try, my solder always gets too molten and drips right off of the edge. I’m thinking maybe my iron is too hot?

[@everything-stained-glass]

360. Yes, your guess is good - turn it down a bit. The tinning first helps as it 'catches' the drips more readily than if you hadn't tinned. Good luck!

[@lindahobster7480]

Where did you buy your halo iron from please? I've only seen Japanese plugs on them

[@everything-stained-glass]

You can get them from Amazon here Linda amzn.to/2Izx9QX (paid). Or other suppliers in north America. If you're in the UK, wait until June and they are releasing a UK version so you won't need a step-down transformer, yay.

[@catherinemartina6469]

Can you get the same result? If you’re working with Seaglass, which is not a flat smooth, cut surface may be smooth, but not cut flat like glass.

[@everything-stained-glass]

The technique will work for all edges Catherine, but of course it'll necessarily be lumpier and irregular - part of the charm of sea glass :-)

[@calliemcghee7853]

What tips do you use to replace for that iron you’re using? I have it also and bought the wrong size tips. They don’t fit in the iron. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks!!

[@calliemcghee7853]

And thanks for your videos!!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Hakko replacement tips Callie. You can get them in most stained glass suppliers that sell the iron. I don't know what country you're in so can't advise specifically

[@nancybarnes8733]

Great lesson, what tempture do you use on your iron?I just got a Hakko 601

[@everything-stained-glass]

+Nancy Barnes thanks. Depending on solder and speed - either 360 or 410. Hope that helps and you enjoy the iron; I love it!

[@nancybarnes8733]

+Everything Stained Glass yes thank you

[@alyssalewanowicz217]

What is the temperature that you’re using here? I find that my solder drips down the sides and doesn’t stay a bead on the top when I hold it vertical like that

[@everything-stained-glass]

I vary between 360 and 410 on my Hakko, depending on the difficulty of the piece (and as a result, how quickly I'm going). Try turning the temp down and see how you go.

[@laurar8486]

Thank you!!!

[@everything-stained-glass]

+Laura Roehl you're most welcome

[@denisedruding7583]

Just wondering what temperature you normally work at

[@everything-stained-glass]

Hi Denise, it depends what I'm doing. 360 for things that are a bit delicate or 3D (and might leak through) 410 for general soldering, 460 if I'm feeling on top of the world and speedy :-) I have a page on temperature here that might surprise you: everythingstainedglass.com/hakko-fx-601temperature-question

[@elianaperez816]

Is that glove heat resistant? Where can I buy that glove?

[@everything-stained-glass]

It's not heat resistant Eliana. It's a gardening glove but does the trick for these quick drips of solder.

[@suebugden2615]

Can i ask what sort of board you solder on please

[@everything-stained-glass]

Yes, that's a piece of old granite worktop Sue. I have a page on boards here that will help you: everythingstainedglass.com/stained-glass-soldering-boards

[@sherrynielsen9810]

What is the surface that you are soldering on? Thanks for sharing.

[@everything-stained-glass]

Hi Sherry, it's a piece from a granite kitchen top that I rescued from a tip outside someone's house! Anything like that will do.

[@michaelwolf7759]

What does it mean if the solder sticks to the tip and when you pull away, it leaves a little point sticking up.

[@everything-stained-glass]

Your iron is probably too cold Michael. That or you don't have enough flux. Hope that helps.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

"Use gravity to your advantage"-- yes, or else gravity will take advantage of you! Thanks, very helpful!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Ha ha, did I say that?! It certainly will take advantage... as I float off in space... byeee

[@roselucht4583]

I believe so many people don’t know how to solder a beaded edge. How to hold the iron, how quickly to move the iron. I’ve had real trouble as Ive watched several different videos and trying to do it correctly.

[@everything-stained-glass]

I hope you're getting the hang of it now Rose. Good luck

[@dawnalivio]

What’s the surface you are using to solder on? Type of stone block?

[@everything-stained-glass]

It's a piece of granite removed from a kitchen worktop surface. Thanks for the question Dawn.

[@dianemaimone352]

You didn’t mention what temp you have your soldering iron at? Please let me know.

[@everything-stained-glass]

If I'm having a good day, 410C, if I'm soldering slowly, 360. I hope that helps.

[@Artsrock36]

What are the name of gloves you are wearing?

[@everything-stained-glass]

They're gardening gloves Joshlyn. Not heat proof so you have to still be careful with the heat of the solder and iron tip.

[@brokencage9723]

Thats True

[@everything-stained-glass]

Thanks Broken Cage, glad you agree!

[@andreaketzel5250]

What kind of glove do you use?

[@everything-stained-glass]

Hi Andrea, it's one I got from a DIY place - it's a gardening glove. Not heat proof but it does give you a bit of protection and the confidence that comes with that.

[@andreaketzel5250]

Okay, thanks!

[@JohnMartinez-sm1sk]

If you use a temperature controller on your soldering iron you have more control

[@everything-stained-glass]

This is a Hakko FX-601 which does have a temperature dial so you can adjust as you go along. Thanks for the comment.

[@SlowerLiving]

Question: What if you just applied your copper tape directly to the face of 1 large piece of glass and then soldered it. This would save you from cutting all the pieces of glass out. I realize you would then be relying on the adhesive to hold the solder on and no mechanical properties but it seems like it should work. You could apply the tape to both sides in the same pattern. It seems like this would save a lot of time. Can you try it and let us know how it goes by replying to this message?

[@michelemcneil4658]

👍

[@everything-stained-glass]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Michele.

[@aliciaviolanti1947]

Lástima que no lo subtitulan.

[@everything-stained-glass]

Curiosamente, acabo de comenzar a subtitular mis videos en español. Dime qué piensas de la traducción. Espero que tenga sentido para ti Alicia. Funnily enough, I've just started subtitling my videos in Spanish - let me know what you think of the translation. I hope it makes sense for you.

[@everything-stained-glass]

Este video; haga clic en configuración y elija español. This video; click settings and choose Spanish. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaK4XmWulMyjqKs

[@joellebulbrook5304]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@everything-stained-glass]

I'm so pleased it was helpful Joelle, thanks for taking the time to comment

[@zelmadupreez7137]

Thank you very much!!

[@everything-stained-glass]

Controlling the heat with the iron tip is key to smoother soldering Zelma du Preez. Glad you're finding my videos of help.

[@joshstrayed]

Thank you!!!

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're welcome Josh.

[@roselucht4583]

Thank you!!

[@everything-stained-glass]

You're most welcome Rose. I hope your edges are no longer lumpy LOL.