|
Supplies Needed
Copper wire (No. 10, 12 or 14 gauge or braided wire), solder,
flux, heavy leather gloves, soldering iron.
Procedure
All lamp shades except those with crowns, should have a reinforcing
wire inside the top aperture opening where the vase cap will
be soldered. Bend a circle of copper wire (10 or 12 gauge) or
flexible braided copper wire and place it inside the top rim
level with the outside of the glass. Use a generous amount of
flux; tack in the middle of the wire circle and work out toward
each end, leveling as you go. Fill in all spaces and completely
cover with solder.
Wear heavy leather gloves
10, 12, or 14 gauge copper wire or braided wire
Copper wire covered with solder
After the reinforcing wire has been securely tack soldered
in place, the lamp is strong enough to be propped, turned and
handled.
Reinforcing Bottom
Procedure - We recommend using the same copper wire covered
with solder or braided copper wire around the bottom border for
appearance as well as reinforcement.
Carefully lift and turn the lamp over to rest on the top aperture
opening. The lamp can now be easily rotated while the copper
wire is tack soldered in place along the bottom.
Use a heavy glove or plier to hold the wire in position
| Even bottom
border |
Irregular bottom
border |
Braided Copper Wire
You can also used braided wire to strengthen lamp shade apertures
and bottom borders. Braided wire may be used to give added vertical
support where needed as in pool table lamps.
|