patterns not lining up properly, gaps between cut pieces.

by John M
(Shirley, NY)

I'm new to this after cutting my glass patterns, some pieces just don't line up properly even after some grinding. I have some gaps between curved pieces.
I will attempt to use the foil method, how forgiving is this? Can I fill the gaps with solder & still make it look half way decent?

Answer
Since I can't see how far off it is, I really can't say whether it will be half way decent or not.

When working with stained glass, each step relies on the previous step. In other words, if your pattern pieces aren't accurate, your glass won't be accurate. If the glass isn't accurate, it won't go together accurately.

If your pattern pieces don't fit together, your glass won't fit together either.

Here is a tutorial on cutting pattern pieces: Pattern Pieces.

If your cutting isn't accurate, You'll either have gaps or the piece will be too big, or a combination of the two.

Here's a page on Glass Cutting Tips and another on How to Cut Glass

I hope these will help you. Don't get discouraged. You just need to follow the stained glass mantra which is practice, practice, practice.