With the high prices of metals, consider using twisted lead as your edging on your panel. Customers love the quaint, old fashioned look and it's about a quarter of the cost of the metal edgings! You can use any lead, whether 'U' or 'H' and in any size.

  As you know, when you use the metal edgings on a panel, you don't foil the edges. But, if you use the twisted lead, you'll need to foil the edge to give the lead something to be soldered to. You'll want to solder your panel as usual: Solder the front, tin the edge, solder the back, tin the edge. When you're satisfied with your solder seams and at the point you would normally attach your hangers, that's when you put the twisted lead around the panel. It's best to start at a seam near the bottom of the panel. Flux the lead and foil edge and then at about every other part of the lead that touches the glass edge, put a little touch of solder to make it 'one'. Be careful not to burn thru the lead! Repeat until the entire edge is attached. Then, flip it over, and repeat on the back edge. Finally, add your hangers. You'll be amazed at how pretty your work has become and I guarantee your customers will love the look!

  To twist the lead, I use a Morton Twister. They're affordable and perfect for keeping even tension on the lead. I sell them and other great items in my store under stained glass supplies.

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