Glass Headed Pins
Pins are necessary in the WordenSystem™ of lamp construction;
this round glass headed type is the best we have found. They
will not melt if touched by the hot solder or tip. They are placed
between the seams to hold the growing glass pieces in place and
placed under small pieces to hold them up above the form surface
even with larger pieces.
Hold the glass pieces securely to the form with pins. This is
a foolproof and inexpensive part of the WordenSystem™ allowing
for the clean and easy removal of your lamp shade after tack
soldering. Be sure you have an ample supply of pins - use glass
headed, or plain common pins with a piece of rubber band KNOTTED
tightly around the shank
When working with long pieces of glass take advantage of the
pincushion effect of the styrofoam forms. Use small flat headed
common pins like stilts under the glass parts to be raised off
the form. The pins support the glass part away from the form
and provide stability until tack soldering is completed.
Flux will rust steel pins . Rinse and dry steel pins after each
use and they will last for years.
There can be no forcing; each piece must lay without moving
or buckling the pieces next to it. Use the natural pin cushion
feature of the form by placing pins under parts to hold them
up. Slant pins into the form to hold each part securely.
If you are a beginner at cutting glass don't be too critical
in your first cutting and trimming attempts. Practice cutting
to pattern on plain window glass. Forge ahead and do the best
you can, keeping in mind that the form will be completely covered
with glass parts and later the spaces in between will be filled
with solder. Gaps in seams 1/8" in width and open spaces
at intersections of seams are no problem to fill. This method
allows the experienced craftsman to fit together each part so
tight that hardly any gaps show. Pin only don't solder yet.
Glass selection and one's ability to present the color and color
tones are far more important than extremely fine, neat seams.
A combination of glass selection, artistic ability and workmanship
is the ultimate goal. The search for glass and interpreting the
color and color tones to the design will give your finished shade
a more life-like appearance with a living glow of transmitted
light.
Organization is important. Cut out all identical glass pieces
needed for each repeat. Completely cover full and sectional forms.
Store remaining parts for each repeat in separate containers.
Mark the pattern number on each with a felt tip pen for easy
identification after you wash and dry them.
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