Straight Pin Size for Copper Foiling

by Jean Scott
(West End, NC)

What size (width) of pin should be used between glass pieces to give the appropriate allowance for the foiling? Do you use a specific length and diameter size pin?

Answer

Hi Jean,

I have never used pins between glass pieces so I'm afraid I can't help you. If your glass is cut to fit between the lines on your cartoon, there should be plenty of room between the pieces, even with foil on them. It doesn't take much room for the solder to seep through. If you have too wide of a gap, you'll be chasing solder back and forth for a long time.

I have made foiled panels where the glass pieces were very tight together, with no problems. I have panels hanging in my studio that I made 15 years ago that are fine.

The only place I have ever seen pins mentioned was in the instruction for the Worden Lampshade Forms, so I'd better ask...are you making a lampshade on a Wordern Form? If you are, just common dressmaking pins is all that you need.

If you're not making a lampshade, I'd suggest you forget the pins and save yourself one more time consuming step.

Perhaps someone else reading this has used pins when making a foiled panel and would give us their view on the subject.