Tools to Get Started in Stained Glass

Below, I have put together a list of must-have supplies to get you started making stained glass art. Everything that I do is using the Tiffany Method (as opposed to the Lead Came Method), so this list of tools will reflect that. Also, the majority of what I make is using lead solder. I do make some of my pieces with lead-free solder, but only items that are intended to be handled more frequently or are intended to be worn like jewelry. There are certain precautions that you'll want to take when working with and handling lead-based products. Stained Glass DIY on YouTube has a great video on safety precautions not just for working with lead but for using any of the tools listed below, you can watch that here.

One more thing to note, getting into stained glass can seem a bit overwhelming given the number of tools and supplies you need, as well as the costs associated with obtaining everything. I've found that online marketplaces like Facebook market place, depending on your area, can have some good deals on used stained glass equipment. Also, if you are lucky enough to have a local stained glass studio in your area, they will sometimes sell used equipment. Many stained glass studios also offer classes and some will offer open studio times when you can pay to use their studio space to work on your own projects.

If you want more in-depth explanations of the stained glass making process I am planning to post some other articles that delve a bit deeper into the process and how/when to use all of these tools.

All of the links below are affiliate links so I do receive a small percentage of qualifying sales at no extra cost to you. However, I would never recommend something that I have not tried myself so all of these items are things that I have purchased and use in my own studio.

The Basics:

• Glass Cutter - you really only need one of these, there are a lot of different types depending on what you find most comfortable to work with. Below are the ones that I've used:
  • Straight Blade Glass Cutter 
  • Pistol Grip Glass Cutter
  • Custom Grip Glass Cutter
  • Thomas Grip Glass Cutter
• Glass Cutter Oil - this is used to keep your cutting wheel lubricated which helps you get a better score and extends the life of your cutter
• Running Pliers and Grozer Pliers
• Glass Grinder - this one is on the more expensive side, but there are much cheaper options out there
• Copper Foil - there are lots of different thicknesses of foil and you can get it with a black backing or a copper backing, this is the one I use on almost all of my pieces:
  • 7/32 Black Backed Foil
• Gel Flux
• 60/40 Lead Solder
• Hakko Soldering Iron - there are lots of different soldering irons out there, this one in my experience is the best and most reliable
• Finishing Compound/Polish

Optional Add-Ons:

• Kwik-Clean Flux Cleaner - I use this to clean all of my pieces after soldering, you can also just use soap and water
• Wood Burnisher or Plastic Burnisher - These help with smoothing out and adhering the copper foil to the glass, you can also just use things from around your house like the handle of a spoon
• Patina - you can leave your solder lines silver, but if you want to change the color of your lines you can use patina - this is a black version, there are also copper versions
• Sal Ammoniac Block - this is a must if you're doing lead free soldering for maintaining the tip of your soldering iron, it's still nice to have even if you're using lead solder to keep your tips lasting longer
• Bamboo Organizer - I use this to hold all of my glass sheets and it's held up really well so far
  
• Foil and Solder Organizer - this is just a nice to have to keep everything organized
• Soldering Iron Holder
• Ring Saw - this is a more expensive tool and is used for cutting more intricate pieces that would be hard or impossible to cut with a regular glass cutting tool, I found mine on sale for really cheap at my local stained glass studio
• iPad and Apple Pencil - I use this to draw all of my patterns
• Contact Paper and Cricut Machine - I use these to cut all of my patterns

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Cut Resistant Gloves or Finger Tips
• Plastic Gloves
• Safety Glasses

Other Household Items:

• Sharpie
• Dish Soap
• Exacto Knife
• Paper towels or Microfiber Cloths
• Flux Brish
• Toothbrush
• Sponges