Brass Came

by Phillip "Skip" Eastlick
(Portland,Or)

Brass is nontoxic I understand. Been surfing in glass companys here in Portland Or. I stumbled on someone who sells brass came. Have you used it, is it flexible, is it forgiving, easy to solder.????

Answer

The only question I can give a yes to is that it is easy to solder. Brass came is much stronger and more rigid than lead came, and as strong as zinc.

Unless you were constructing a panel with all straight lines, it would not be suitable. It buckles when you try to bend it.

You asked if I have used it. I've only use it when I need to repair something that has a brass came frame. It's not something I'd want to construct an entire panel with. It's too constrictive, and each cuts need to be done with a band saw, chop saw or a fine tooth hack saw.

There is a 7/32" round H soft brass came available. You can read more about it here: Soft Brass Came

If you don't want to work with lead products, Fry Metals makes Symphony Ultra Came which is a lead free came. This is direct from their description: "Symphony Ultra Came is a new, non-oxidizing, high-luster lead-free came for special projects. Symphony Ultra is perfect for suncatchers and all projects that require a lead-free material. It solders best with Classic Ultra .062 or Classic 60 solder."

Most large online stained glass suppliers carry brass came. If you want to read more about brass came or see who carries it, do a Google search.