Window Design Question

by David
(Texas)

Hello,

I am constructing a window, with lead came, that has 2"x2" bevels in each corner. The window will be framed with 1/2" zinc channel. What is the best way to compensate for the 1/8" channel depth? I need for the bevel to look square. I will cut the bordering glass 1/8" larger to compensate, but not sure what to do about the bevels???

I'm probably missing something obvious, but any help would be appreciated.

David.

Answer

There are 2 ways you can do it.

Cut the edge glass the same width as the bevels. Peel the face off of a couple strips of lead. Slide one or two in the channel of the zinc, the flat side of the lead strips against the heart of the zinc. Slide in a bevel to see if one piece of lead face is enough to bring the bevel out where you want it. If not, add another strip of lead. The technique is referred to adding a shim.

The other way is to cut the rest of the border glass the extra 1/8", which would then make it wider than the bevels. When you lead it up, the bevel edge will sit in 1/8" from the edge of the glass, but it will still sit under the edge of the zinc. Add pieces of lead face, shims, as described above, to take up the space between the bevel and the heart of the zinc.