Working With Glass - User contributions [en]

Guide: Soldered Hanging Hardware

2026-09-03T07:20:33Z

Claycorp: Created Page with preliminary info.

The purpose of this guide is to give an overview of how to hang projects with various types of soldered on hanging hardware.

{{Checklist|checkboxList=* [[Jump Ring|Jump Rings]] or Bare Copper Wire (other [[Solderable Metals]] will also work)
* [[Soldering Iron]]
* [[Solder]]
* [[Flux]]
* Needlenose, Hemostats, or some kind of pliers.
* Project to be hung}}

=== '''1. Deciding Hardware Mounting Location''' ===
The point that the hanging hardware is located is important! You want a solid and strong location to mount the hardware while picking a location that makes the project hang in the correct orientation.

==== '''1.1 Picking Good Locations''' ====
Getting good locations to hang something from can vary drastically on the pattern and size of the project. Depending on the project shape, type of project and border there's a few things to consider for picking the best places.

===== '''1.1.1 Finding Center of Gravity''' =====
You don't want to hang something too close horizontally to the center of gravity as it will want to lean forward or flip. Then depending on the size of the project you need to decide how many hanging points are required, small projects using one point need to be hung close to the vertical center of gravity else it will tilt when hung.

==== '''1.1.2 Identifying Strong Points''' ====
Once we have a rough idea of where to put the hangers we need to see what kind of structure we have to take advantage of.

* Any projects using [[Rigid Came]] and are a regular polygon can be hung at corners (or anywhere on a circle) in most cases.
* Vertical joints that run deep into the panel are better than short joints.
* Any points with internal reinforcing are strong points to utilize.

==== '''1.2 Incorrect Placements''' ====
There's lots of places to attach hanging hardware and some of them are places you shouldn't hang projects. Here's an overview of the most common failure points.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Hanging Failures
!Example
!Failure Type
!Information
|-
|
|Edge Foil Failure
|Edge Foil isn't structural and the adhesive is the only thing keeping it in place, hanging hardware easily tears away if not on a solder joint.
|-
|
|Center of Span Elongation
|Hanging from the center of a [[Joint Span]] will allow the material to be pulled by gravity.
|-
|
|Clamped Jump Ring
|Jump rings that are opened, put around the edge and clamped in place before being solder do not provide enough surface area for a good bond.
|-
|
|Concave Elongation
|Unsupported concave sides can elongate from gravity as the distance following the edge is greater than a straight line from the two points across it.
|-
|
|Foil Overlap Failure
|If edge foil isn't sufficiently soldered the overlap where the foil wrap starts and ends can be a weak point that causes the edge to fail.
|}

=== '''2. Selecting Appropriate Hanging Hardware''' ===
Depending on the project you are working with, the hardware used to hang it will vary greatly. Picking hardware that is too weak could lead to the project falling to due to the hanging hardware failing. The ideal hardware is something that is easily soldered to the project, strong enough to hold up the entirety of the project without being too bulky.

==== '''2.1 Hanging Hardware Options''' ====
There's no real limit to what can be done with hanging hardware as long as it's secure, but here's the most common simple options to work with.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Types of Hanging Hardware
!Name
!Example
!Pros
!Cons
|-
|[[Jump Ring|Premade Jump Ring]]
|
|
* Fast to place.
* Very cheap.
* Easy to source.
* Lots of various ring sizes and finishes.
|
* Quality can be questionable.
* Materials could be unknown causing difficulty when soldering.
* Smaller sizes aren't very useful.
* Often made with fairly small wire reducing strength.
* Rings have a split in them.
* Difficult to use with came.
|-
|[[Hand Made Jump Ring]]
|
|
* Simple to make in bulk.
* Fast to place.
* Cheap to make.
|
* Getting clean round rings without a mandrel can be difficult.
* Producing many of them can be time consuming.
* Rings will have a split in them.
* Difficult to use with came.
|-
|[[Tailed Hanging Point]]
|
|
* Simple to make.
* Much stronger than Jump rings.
* Easier to attach than Jump rings.
* Can't be orientated the wrong way like the split in jump rings.
* Easily pass over camework and other edge finishes.
* Can be placed inside of [[Border Came]] channels.
|
* Don't work well with very thin joints.
* Can be bulky.
|-
|[[U Hook]]
|
|
* Extremely easy to make.
* Extremely strong.
* Reach over any type of border.
|
* Very bulky.
* Can't be hidden very well.
|}

==== '''2.2 Tips for picking what hardware to use''' ====
Which one works best for your project will depend on a few factors, Here's a list of things to to consider when deciding.

* Are you putting any sort of came or similar border on the outside? Depending on the type of came or border your options may change, wide borders may need longer/larger hanging hardware. Came or borders often have channels you can take advantage of.
* How large is the project? Larger projects need more hanging structure.
* Are there any [[Structure Defects]]? If you need to pass over a weak point or help reinforce an area sometimes the hanging point can help.
* Is the project an irregular shape? Do you have a spot where you can solder the hanging hardware into the edge of multiple parts for even more strength?
* Are there hanging points at the top or do you need to extend them from somewhere else? Tailed hanging points can be very long when needed!

Keeping in mind these well help you pick good areas to set rings.

=== '''3. Making the Hardware''' ===
''If you have already bulk made hardware or are using premade hardware you can skip this step and move directly to attaching them.''

The easiest way to make hanging hardware is to buy [[Tinned Wire]] or to buy Bare Copper Wire, though you can use any [[Solderable Metal]] that you can source.

'''DO NOT USE YOUR LEAD CUTTERS TO CUT COPPER WIRE! It will destroy them!'''

==== 3.1 Jump Rings ====
Jump rings are easy to make in bulk when you need many rings of the same size.

# Find an object to wrap the wire around. You can make a special wrapping tool by taking a dowel, pipe or rod and cutting a slot in one end of it larger than the wire you are using.
# Wrap as many turns as you want onto the object keeping the wire tight next to each wrap.
# When complete remove the coil from the object by sliding it off.
# Use any cutting tool available to cut down the coil of rings to make individual rings.

If you don't need all the rings that instant and want an easier way to store the rings instead of a bunch of loose ones, you can just cut them as needed from the coil.

==== 3.2 Tailed Hanging Point ====
While these are easy to make and use, they are little harder to make in bulk as they need to be completed individually. But if you aren't picky about the shape, you can bulk make simple shapes relatively easily.

# Measure from the end of the wire to the length desired.
# Start bending any shape you desire that will be your attachment point.
# Once completed make sure where the wire continues meets where the other tail is.
# Cut it free from the wire matching the other tail length.

Bulk making simple shapes.

# Find an object to wrap the wire around.
# Wrap a U shape of wire to get a rough idea of how long the section of wire you need is.
# Cut a bunch of sections of wire to the length you just found.
# Take each wire, bend it into a U shape on the object
# Then pinch the open side together so the tails touch.

==== 3.3 U Hook ====
Easiest option to make!

# Measure a length of wire that sticks out from the project.
# Double that length and cut it.
# Bend the wire in the middle around an object for a specific shape or just bend them by hand around the edge of the project.

=== '''4. Attaching Hanging Hardware''' ===
Now we are ready to attach the hardware. Each option is a bit different when it comes to soldering it on but most of the time you will be manipulating them with a pair of pliers, hemostats or some other tool to hold them.

Guide: Foiling

2025-12-03T07:33:31Z

Claycorp: Dirty tricks to keep heading levels right....

Within this guide you will find all the information required for applying [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This guide assumes you have materials prepared for this step already.

====== Required Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - Most likely the glass you are trying to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - This is what is applied to your prepared materials.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

====== Optional Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Scissors/Thread Snips - Used for cutting the foil or backing paper. You can just tear them instead too.
* Damp Towel - Used to clean the glass prior to foiling if dirty.
* Dry Towel - Used to dry the glass prior to foiling if wet or to wipe off dust.
* [[Foiling Tool]] - Device used to help apply or crip the foil to your material.}}

=== 1. Edge Surface Prep (Optional) ===
While foil should stick to most things, rougher surfaces will allow the foil to stick better than a smooth surface will. Roughing up smooth surfaces with your [[Grinder]] or a [[Carborundum Stone]] can help with getting the foil to stick better.

=== 2. Edge Surface Cleaning ===
Applying [[Foil]] requires the surface it is being applied to be free of oils, dirt, dust, moisture and other grime. You are applying a metal tape and if it's not clean it will just fall off or barely stick.

=== 3. Pick Appropriate Foil ===
Now we need to pick appropriate foil for the material we plan on applying it to. There's lots of options, thus lets go over each part individually.

===== Foil Thickness =====
Thickness of the foil determines how easy it is to bend, flex and tear. Thin foil can easily tear while being worked while thicker foil will be stiffer and harder to tear.

{{FoilThicknessTable}}

===== Foil Backing Color =====
Foil has a couple options for the backing color it has. These backing colors aren't super important but using one or the other may have a very small effect on the look of the project. The color of the backing is an artistic choice that has no other meaning, they all will work the same otherwise.
{{FoilBackingTable}}

===== Foil Width =====
This is your most important part of the foil as the width determines how wide your solder joints will end up being and the foil must be wide enough to hold the parts you have in place by wrapping over the front and back faces.

{{FoilWidthTable}}

=== 4. Applying Foil ===
There's many ways to peel back the paper and apply the foil.... there's no one technique that is perfect and there's even tools to help that you may have different results with. Regardless of what method or tools you use the goal is the same, get the foil on so it's evenly overlapping the front and back faces of whatever is being foiled. This guide will cover hand foiling and then provide a list of foiling tools you can click on for their own guides.

'''Before we get started''', we need to talk about concave parts. These parts will be more difficult to work with due to the foil wanting to pull straight, [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] occurring and the possibility of tools not fitting in places. They will require you to slow down, think ahead and give them more attention. There's a guide just for these [[Foiling Concave Parts]] for more detailed instructions.

{{CollapsibleTitle|Heading=h4|Title=<span style="font-size:1.17em">Foiling by Hand</span>|Content={{:Guide:Hand Foiling}}|Collapsed=false}}

=== Foiling with Tools ===
As there's lots of tools that exist they will each get their own page for detailed instructions. Though they all follow the same general idea.
# Pick the correct tool/parts for the width of foil you are planning on using.
# Thread the foil through the tool.
# Set any gauges, stops or other things the tool may have.
# Run the tool along glass or run the glass through the tool till you get back to the start.
# Cut or tear the foil so that it overlaps the start point if you didn't go past it.
# Move to the next step!

{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Tool Guides
|Todo: Put them here someday hah.
|
|
|
|}

=== 5. Crimping & [[Burnishing]] ===
Now that we have the foil on the glass on the edge, we need to fold over the bits hanging out. This can be done in one or two stages depending on what shape the part is and what you are comfortable with. If you used a tool it may have already crimped the foil down for you.
# If you did not use a foiling tool, Grab your [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker, Pen or other hard smooth object. Using light to medium pressure, press the foil against the outside edge it is lightly stuck to so it's fully stuck in place.
# (Optional) Crimp the foil with your fingers or tool by just pinching/pushing it over the edge.
# While making sure you are holding the tool flat against the glass, using light to medium pressure, press the foil down so it's nice and smooth on one side. What part of the tool you use doesn't matter as long as it's making full contact.
# When you get to a corner make sure to fold it so that the adhesive side is down.
# Repeat steps 1-4 or 3-4 as required.
# Flip the glass, repeat.

=== 6. Finished! ===
If everything went well and you have no tears, showing adhesive or other issues your part is ready to be soldered.

== Tips, Tricks, FAQ ==

* When burnishing small parts it might be beneficial to complete one whole side so you have a decent spot to grab the part.
* Placing the part on the table after crimping to burnish is also a good option if you can't hold it or don't want to. Just make sure the corners are folded down or you could bend them the wrong way!
* If a corner or any section of foil is showing the adhesive side you need to try and correct it. Solder will not stick at that location.
* If you have any [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] or other damaged foil you will need to [[Foil Repair|Repair]] it before soldering as the solder will only stick to the foil and nothing else.
* Foil can easily be trimmed with a craft knife! Get creative!

* '''Why does my Foil not stick?'''
** Foil does have a shelf life! Even sealed the adhesives can dry out and not stick anymore. Once open foil will dry out faster. While you can still use it, it's not enjoyable. You can test the foil by sticking it to a fingernail and pulling. It should peel like tape and not just pop off.
* '''Why does my foil always tear in this spot?'''
** Foil while malleable can't just be pressed flat in all spots, try gently pushing it over a little at a time going back and forth across it until it's flat. TODO: make a gif of this.
* '''Help! I changed my mind about the patina for the solder!/Do I need to match my foil with my solder?'''
** It's fine! Do what you want! It may look better matched but you probably won't notice unmatched in most cases. Most people wouldn't know the difference anyway.
* '''My foil is way too wide but my smaller foil is too small!'''
** Ah yes, when you need an in-between size but it doesn't exist. The easiest option is to line up the overlap on the '''FRONT SIDE''' of the glass so it looks correct and put all the extra on the back. Then use a craft knife to trim it so it's the right size! That way you don't need to trim it two times!
* '''How do I get foil into deep/small textures?'''
** This is a tricky one.... Depending on the texture you may just end up [[Foil Split|Splitting]] the foil tons. In cases like this using something like a [[Ripple Bit]] or [[Face Grinding]] to reduce the thickness changes would be beneficial. Otherwise just get it as close as possible. It isn't really noticeable unless using a backing that doesn't match the solder finish. It also won't really affect the strength at all.

[[Category:How to]]
[[Category:Foiling]]
[[Category:Foiling Tips]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Guide:Hand Foiling

2025-12-03T07:27:14Z

Claycorp: stupid line breaks get transcluded on empty lines still uhg.

This guide will walk you through foiling with using your hands and the least amount of tools to apply [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This is assuming you have already prepared, picked your [[Foil]] and cleaned your material, if you have not [[Guide: Foiling]] is an overview of then entire process.

===== Required Items: =====
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - The materials you are going to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - The foil you will be using to wrap your material.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

== Applying the Foil ==
<onlyinclude>There are many ways to apply foil with your hands and what works best for you will depend on your personal dexterity and hands. It's difficult to cover every way possible due to this, thus this is a generic tutorial picking out the easiest way possible for most.

<noinclude>=== Picking the Starting Side ===</noinclude><includeonly>==== Picking the Starting Side ====</includeonly>
{{Todo|todo=Add images showing where to start.}}

<noinclude>==== Internal Parts ====</noinclude><includeonly>===== Internal Parts =====</includeonly>
Which side the foil is started isn't particularly important when a part is completely surrounded by other parts.

<noinclude>==== Edge Parts ====</noinclude><includeonly>===== Edge Parts =====</includeonly>
Start your foil on an [[Inside Joint]] rather than on the outside edge. The overlap point is weak and prone to issues so keeping them inside results in stronger edges.

<noinclude>==== Edge Parts when using Came ====</noinclude><includeonly>===== Edge Parts when using Came =====</includeonly>
When using came foiling the edge isn't needed and often skipped to save on time and foil. When this is the case we will always start on the outside edge and wrap around the [[Inside Joints]] ending on the outside again.

<noinclude>=== Foiling Away or Towards Yourself ===</noinclude><includeonly>==== Foiling Away or Towards Yourself ====</includeonly>
When hand foiling you can decide what way you feed the foil and the direction you work around the part. There's no massive difference between them but they can give you different results if you are unsure of what is best for you, try them all!
{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Direction
!Feeding Foil
!Turning Part
!Comments
|-
|Towards
|Away
|Works well for larger parts.
|-
|Away
|Away
|Hard to line up as what you line up will move away from you.
|-
|Towards
|Towards
|Common to do by feeding foil across the hand or through the fingers and controlling it by spreading fingers out.
|-
|Away
|Towards
|Gives you a nice top down view, won't work with larger parts.
|}
{{Todo|todo=Add images/videos of each directions setup.

Template this section.}}

<noinclude>=== Setting the Start Point ===</noinclude><includeonly>==== Setting the Start Point ====</includeonly>
Once you have decided if you need to start on a particular side we can start the foil. You are going to start the foil around a corner if there is one, if there is no corner then pick an area with the most protrusion or if none exist anywhere.

Peel back the paper from the foil a short distance but not too far it's unruly.

Hold your part in the other hand pinching the top and bottom face between your thumb and pointer away from where you plan to start or hold the part on the edges with multiple fingers. On parts that it doesn't matter what side you start, pick the side that is most comfortable or the easiest for you to hold the glass for.

Take the tail of the foil and stick it on as centered as possible right near the corner and rotate to the next side right away while holding the foil taught.

<noinclude>=== Continuing Around ===</noinclude><includeonly>==== Continuing Around ====</includeonly>
Now we have an anchor and can keep the foil taught and line it up along the edge as work around the part pressing the foil against the glass. Keeping it taught helps with alignment as it can't bend or fold easily. Keep working your way around the part until you get back where you need to end.

In some cases you may need to burnish down one side or use your fingers to press one side down to hold the part so you don't mangle the already applied foil. Just do this as needed when you run into it.
{{Todo|todo=Add images of finished parts and pointing out overlaps.}}

<noinclude>==== Internal Parts and Edge Parts ====</noinclude><includeonly>===== Internal Parts and Edge Parts =====</includeonly>
Once you get back to the start point you want to overlap the start tail and then end the foil some.

<noinclude>==== Edge Parts when using Came ====</noinclude><includeonly>===== Edge Parts when using Came =====</includeonly>
Wrap around until you get to the next outside edge and wrap around it slightly. This helps anchor the foil in place on the ends, much isn't needed so don't over do it else you may need to trim it back,

<noinclude>=== Done ===</noinclude><includeonly>==== Done ====</includeonly>
Now the part is foiled and ready to [[Burnishing|Burnish]]</onlyinclude>, which will be on another page.

Guide:Hand Foiling

2025-12-03T07:24:08Z

Claycorp: Made the included headings one size smaller to not break contents box of pages where this is transcluded

This guide will walk you through foiling with using your hands and the least amount of tools to apply [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This is assuming you have already prepared, picked your [[Foil]] and cleaned your material, if you have not [[Guide: Foiling]] is an overview of then entire process.

===== Required Items: =====
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - The materials you are going to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - The foil you will be using to wrap your material.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

== Applying the Foil ==
<onlyinclude>There are many ways to apply foil with your hands and what works best for you will depend on your personal dexterity and hands. It's difficult to cover every way possible due to this, thus this is a generic tutorial picking out the easiest way possible for most.

<noinclude>=== Picking the Starting Side ===</noinclude>
<includeonly>==== Picking the Starting Side ====</includeonly>
{{Todo|todo=Add images showing where to start.}}

<noinclude>==== Internal Parts ====</noinclude>
<includeonly>===== Internal Parts =====</includeonly>
Which side the foil is started isn't particularly important when a part is completely surrounded by other parts.

<noinclude>==== Edge Parts ====</noinclude>
<includeonly>===== Edge Parts =====</includeonly>
Start your foil on an [[Inside Joint]] rather than on the outside edge. The overlap point is weak and prone to issues so keeping them inside results in stronger edges.

<noinclude>==== Edge Parts when using Came ====</noinclude>
<includeonly>===== Edge Parts when using Came =====</includeonly>
When using came foiling the edge isn't needed and often skipped to save on time and foil. When this is the case we will always start on the outside edge and wrap around the [[Inside Joints]] ending on the outside again.

<noinclude>=== Foiling Away or Towards Yourself ===</noinclude>
<includeonly>==== Foiling Away or Towards Yourself ====</includeonly>
When hand foiling you can decide what way you feed the foil and the direction you work around the part. There's no massive difference between them but they can give you different results if you are unsure of what is best for you, try them all!
{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Direction
!Feeding Foil
!Turning Part
!Comments
|-
|Towards
|Away
|Works well for larger parts.
|-
|Away
|Away
|Hard to line up as what you line up will move away from you.
|-
|Towards
|Towards
|Common to do by feeding foil across the hand or through the fingers and controlling it by spreading fingers out.
|-
|Away
|Towards
|Gives you a nice top down view, won't work with larger parts.
|}
{{Todo|todo=Add images/videos of each directions setup.

Template this section.}}

<noinclude>=== Setting the Start Point ===</noinclude>
<includeonly>==== Setting the Start Point ====</includeonly>
Once you have decided if you need to start on a particular side we can start the foil. You are going to start the foil around a corner if there is one, if there is no corner then pick an area with the most protrusion or if none exist anywhere.

Peel back the paper from the foil a short distance but not too far it's unruly.

Hold your part in the other hand pinching the top and bottom face between your thumb and pointer away from where you plan to start or hold the part on the edges with multiple fingers. On parts that it doesn't matter what side you start, pick the side that is most comfortable or the easiest for you to hold the glass for.

Take the tail of the foil and stick it on as centered as possible right near the corner and rotate to the next side right away while holding the foil taught.

<noinclude>=== Continuing Around ===</noinclude>
<includeonly>==== Continuing Around ====</includeonly>
Now we have an anchor and can keep the foil taught and line it up along the edge as work around the part pressing the foil against the glass. Keeping it taught helps with alignment as it can't bend or fold easily. Keep working your way around the part until you get back where you need to end.

In some cases you may need to burnish down one side or use your fingers to press one side down to hold the part so you don't mangle the already applied foil. Just do this as needed when you run into it.
{{Todo|todo=Add images of finished parts and pointing out overlaps.}}

<noinclude>==== Internal Parts and Edge Parts ====</noinclude>
<includeonly>===== Internal Parts and Edge Parts =====</includeonly>
Once you get back to the start point you want to overlap the start tail and then end the foil some.

<noinclude>==== Edge Parts when using Came ====</noinclude>
<includeonly>===== Edge Parts when using Came =====</includeonly>
Wrap around until you get to the next outside edge and wrap around it slightly. This helps anchor the foil in place on the ends, much isn't needed so don't over do it else you may need to trim it back,

<noinclude>=== Done ===</noinclude>
<includeonly>==== Done ====</includeonly>
Now the part is foiled and ready to [[Burnishing|Burnish]]</onlyinclude>, which will be on another page.

Guide: Foiling

2025-12-03T06:33:58Z

Claycorp: More layout updates.

Within this guide you will find all the information required for applying [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This guide assumes you have materials prepared for this step already.

====== Required Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - Most likely the glass you are trying to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - This is what is applied to your prepared materials.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

====== Optional Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Scissors/Thread Snips - Used for cutting the foil or backing paper. You can just tear them instead too.
* Damp Towel - Used to clean the glass prior to foiling if dirty.
* Dry Towel - Used to dry the glass prior to foiling if wet or to wipe off dust.
* [[Foiling Tool]] - Device used to help apply or crip the foil to your material.}}

=== 1. Edge Surface Prep (Optional) ===
While foil should stick to most things, rougher surfaces will allow the foil to stick better than a smooth surface will. Roughing up smooth surfaces with your [[Grinder]] or a [[Carborundum Stone]] can help with getting the foil to stick better.

=== 2. Edge Surface Cleaning ===
Applying [[Foil]] requires the surface it is being applied to be free of oils, dirt, dust, moisture and other grime. You are applying a metal tape and if it's not clean it will just fall off or barely stick.

=== 3. Pick Appropriate Foil ===
Now we need to pick appropriate foil for the material we plan on applying it to. There's lots of options, thus lets go over each part individually.

===== Foil Thickness =====
Thickness of the foil determines how easy it is to bend, flex and tear. Thin foil can easily tear while being worked while thicker foil will be stiffer and harder to tear.

{{FoilThicknessTable}}

===== Foil Backing Color =====
Foil has a couple options for the backing color it has. These backing colors aren't super important but using one or the other may have a very small effect on the look of the project. The color of the backing is an artistic choice that has no other meaning, they all will work the same otherwise.
{{FoilBackingTable}}

===== Foil Width =====
This is your most important part of the foil as the width determines how wide your solder joints will end up being and the foil must be wide enough to hold the parts you have in place by wrapping over the front and back faces.

{{FoilWidthTable}}

=== 4. Applying Foil ===
There's many ways to peel back the paper and apply the foil.... there's no one technique that is perfect and there's even tools to help that you may have different results with. Regardless of what method or tools you use the goal is the same, get the foil on so it's evenly overlapping the front and back faces of whatever is being foiled. This guide will cover hand foiling and then provide a list of foiling tools you can click on for their own guides.

'''Before we get started''', we need to talk about concave parts. These parts will be more difficult to work with due to the foil wanting to pull straight, [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] occurring and the possibility of tools not fitting in places. They will require you to slow down, think ahead and give them more attention. There's a guide just for these [[Foiling Concave Parts]] for more detailed instructions.

{{CollapsibleTitle|Heading=h3|Title=Foiling by Hand|Content={{:Guide:Hand Foiling}}|Collapsed=false}}

=== Foiling with Tools ===
As there's lots of tools that exist they will each get their own page for detailed instructions. Though they all follow the same general idea.
# Pick the correct tool/parts for the width of foil you are planning on using.
# Thread the foil through the tool.
# Set any gauges, stops or other things the tool may have.
# Run the tool along glass or run the glass through the tool till you get back to the start.
# Cut or tear the foil so that it overlaps the start point if you didn't go past it.
# Move to the next step!

{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Tool Guides
|Todo: Put them here someday hah.
|
|
|
|}

=== 5. Crimping & [[Burnishing]] ===
Now that we have the foil on the glass on the edge, we need to fold over the bits hanging out. This can be done in one or two stages depending on what shape the part is and what you are comfortable with. If you used a tool it may have already crimped the foil down for you.
# If you did not use a foiling tool, Grab your [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker, Pen or other hard smooth object. Using light to medium pressure, press the foil against the outside edge it is lightly stuck to so it's fully stuck in place.
# (Optional) Crimp the foil with your fingers or tool by just pinching/pushing it over the edge.
# While making sure you are holding the tool flat against the glass, using light to medium pressure, press the foil down so it's nice and smooth on one side. What part of the tool you use doesn't matter as long as it's making full contact.
# When you get to a corner make sure to fold it so that the adhesive side is down.
# Repeat steps 1-4 or 3-4 as required.
# Flip the glass, repeat.

=== 6. Finished! ===
If everything went well and you have no tears, showing adhesive or other issues your part is ready to be soldered.

== Tips, Tricks, FAQ ==

* When burnishing small parts it might be beneficial to complete one whole side so you have a decent spot to grab the part.
* Placing the part on the table after crimping to burnish is also a good option if you can't hold it or don't want to. Just make sure the corners are folded down or you could bend them the wrong way!
* If a corner or any section of foil is showing the adhesive side you need to try and correct it. Solder will not stick at that location.
* If you have any [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] or other damaged foil you will need to [[Foil Repair|Repair]] it before soldering as the solder will only stick to the foil and nothing else.
* Foil can easily be trimmed with a craft knife! Get creative!

* '''Why does my Foil not stick?'''
** Foil does have a shelf life! Even sealed the adhesives can dry out and not stick anymore. Once open foil will dry out faster. While you can still use it, it's not enjoyable. You can test the foil by sticking it to a fingernail and pulling. It should peel like tape and not just pop off.
* '''Why does my foil always tear in this spot?'''
** Foil while malleable can't just be pressed flat in all spots, try gently pushing it over a little at a time going back and forth across it until it's flat. TODO: make a gif of this.
* '''Help! I changed my mind about the patina for the solder!/Do I need to match my foil with my solder?'''
** It's fine! Do what you want! It may look better matched but you probably won't notice unmatched in most cases. Most people wouldn't know the difference anyway.
* '''My foil is way too wide but my smaller foil is too small!'''
** Ah yes, when you need an in-between size but it doesn't exist. The easiest option is to line up the overlap on the '''FRONT SIDE''' of the glass so it looks correct and put all the extra on the back. Then use a craft knife to trim it so it's the right size! That way you don't need to trim it two times!
* '''How do I get foil into deep/small textures?'''
** This is a tricky one.... Depending on the texture you may just end up [[Foil Split|Splitting]] the foil tons. In cases like this using something like a [[Ripple Bit]] or [[Face Grinding]] to reduce the thickness changes would be beneficial. Otherwise just get it as close as possible. It isn't really noticeable unless using a backing that doesn't match the solder finish. It also won't really affect the strength at all.

[[Category:How to]]
[[Category:Foiling]]
[[Category:Foiling Tips]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Template:CollapsibleTitle

2025-12-03T06:13:02Z

Claycorp: Ok

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Guide: Foiling

2025-12-02T23:00:39Z

Claycorp: templates in templates. Made the hand foiling section collapsible.

Within this guide you will find all the information required for applying [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This guide assumes you have materials prepared for this step already.

====== Required Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - Most likely the glass you are trying to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - This is what is applied to your prepared materials.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

====== Optional Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Scissors/Thread Snips - Used for cutting the foil or backing paper. You can just tear them instead too.
* Damp Towel - Used to clean the glass prior to foiling if dirty.
* Dry Towel - Used to dry the glass prior to foiling if wet or to wipe off dust.
* [[Foiling Tool]] - Device used to help apply or crip the foil to your material.}}

=== 1. Edge Surface Prep (Optional) ===
While foil should stick to most things, rougher surfaces will allow the foil to stick better than a smooth surface will. Roughing up smooth surfaces with your [[Grinder]] or a [[Carborundum Stone]] can help with getting the foil to stick better.

=== 2. Edge Surface Cleaning ===
Applying [[Foil]] requires the surface it is being applied to be free of oils, dirt, dust, moisture and other grime. You are applying a metal tape and if it's not clean it will just fall off or barely stick.

=== 3. Pick Appropriate Foil ===
Now we need to pick appropriate foil for the material we plan on applying it to. There's lots of options, thus lets go over each part individually.

===== Foil Thickness =====
Thickness of the foil determines how easy it is to bend, flex and tear. Thin foil can easily tear while being worked while thicker foil will be stiffer and harder to tear.

{{FoilThicknessTable}}

===== Foil Backing Color =====
Foil has a couple options for the backing color it has. These backing colors aren't super important but using one or the other may have a very small effect on the look of the project. The color of the backing is an artistic choice that has no other meaning, they all will work the same otherwise.
{{FoilBackingTable}}

===== Foil Width =====
This is your most important part of the foil as the width determines how wide your solder joints will end up being and the foil must be wide enough to hold the parts you have in place by wrapping over the front and back faces.

{{FoilWidthTable}}

=== 4. Applying Foil ===

== Apply the Foil ==
This is where foiling can get tricky as there's many ways to peel back the paper and apply the foil.... there's no one technique that is perfect and there's even tools to help that you may have different results with. Regardless of what method or tools you use the goal is the same, get the foil on so it's evenly overlapping the front and back faces of whatever is being foiled.

So let's split this into parts and feel free to try a bunch of things! Including things not covered here!

Before we get started, we need to talk about concave parts. These parts will be more difficult to work with due to the foil wanting to pull straight, [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] occurring and the possibility of tools not fitting in places. They will require you to slow down and give them a bit more attention!

{{CollapsibleTitle|Heading=h3|Title=Foiling by Hand|Content={{:Guide:Hand Foiling}}|Collapsed=false}}

=== Foiling with Tools ===
As there's lots of tools that exist they will each get their own page for detailed instructions. Though they all follow the same general idea.

# Pick the correct tool/parts for the width of foil you are planning on using.
# Thread the foil through the tool.
# Set any gauges, stops or other things the tool may have.
# Run the tool along glass or run the glass through the tool till you get back to the start.
# Cut or tear the foil so that it overlaps the start point if you didn't go past it.
# Move to the next step!

{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Tool Guides
|Todo: Put them here someday hah.
|
|
|
|}

== Crimping & [[Burnishing]] ==
Now that we have the foil on the glass on the edge, we need to fold over the bits hanging out. This can be done in one or two stages depending on what shape the part is and what you are comfortable with. If you used a tool it may have already crimped the foil down for you.

# If you did not use a foiling tool, Grab your [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker, Pen or other hard smooth object. Using light to medium pressure, press the foil that you placed on the edge all the way around so it sticks in place good.
# (Optional) Crimp the foil with your fingers or tool by just pinching/pushing it over the edge.
# While making sure you are holding the tool flat against the glass, using light to medium pressure, press the foil down so it's nice and smooth on one side. What part of the tool you use doesn't matter as long as it's making full contact.
# When you get to a corner make sure to fold it so that the adhesive side is down.
# Repeat steps 1-4 or 3-4 as required.
# Flip the glass, repeat.

== Done! ==
If everything went well and to plan you are ready for soldering!

== Tips, Tricks, FAQ ==

* When burnishing small parts it might be beneficial to complete one whole side so you have a decent spot to grab the part.
* Placing the part on the table after crimping to burnish is also a good option if you can't hold it or don't want to. Just make sure the corners are folded down or you could bend them the wrong way!
* If a corner or any section of foil is showing the adhesive side you need to try and correct it. Solder will not stick at that location.
* If you have any [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] or other damaged foil you will need to [[Foil Repair|Repair]] it before soldering as the solder will only stick to the foil and nothing else.
* Foil can easily be trimmed with a craft knife! Get creative!

* '''Why does my Foil not stick?'''
** Foil does have a shelf life! Even sealed the adhesives can dry out and not stick anymore. Once open foil will dry out faster. While you can still use it, it's not enjoyable. You can test the foil by sticking it to a fingernail and pulling. It should peel like tape and not just pop off.
* '''Why does my foil always tear in this spot?'''
** Foil while malleable can't just be pressed flat in all spots, try gently pushing it over a little at a time going back and forth across it until it's flat. TODO: make a gif of this.
* '''Help! I changed my mind about the patina for the solder!/Do I need to match my foil with my solder?'''
** It's fine! Do what you want! It may look better matched but you probably won't notice unmatched in most cases. Most people wouldn't know the difference anyway.
* '''My foil is way too wide but my smaller foil is too small!'''
** Ah yes, when you need an in-between size but it doesn't exist. The easiest option is to line up the overlap on the '''FRONT SIDE''' of the glass so it looks correct and put all the extra on the back. Then use a craft knife to trim it so it's the right size! That way you don't need to trim it two times!
* '''How do I get foil into deep/small textures?'''
** This is a tricky one.... Depending on the texture you may just end up [[Foil Split|Splitting]] the foil tons. In cases like this using something like a [[Ripple Bit]] or [[Face Grinding]] to reduce the thickness changes would be beneficial. Otherwise just get it as close as possible. It isn't really noticeable unless using a backing that doesn't match the solder finish. It also won't really affect the strength at all.

[[Category:How to]]
[[Category:Foiling]]
[[Category:Foiling Tips]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Guide: Foiling

2025-12-02T22:48:11Z

Claycorp: swap to hand foiling template + other small edits.

Within this guide you will find all the information required for applying [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This guide assumes you have materials prepared for this step already.

====== Required Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - Most likely the glass you are trying to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - This is what is applied to your prepared materials.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

====== Optional Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Scissors/Thread Snips - Used for cutting the foil or backing paper. You can just tear them instead too.
* Damp Towel - Used to clean the glass prior to foiling if dirty.
* Dry Towel - Used to dry the glass prior to foiling if wet or to wipe off dust.
* [[Foiling Tool]] - Device used to help apply or crip the foil to your material.}}

=== 1. Edge Surface Prep (Optional) ===
While foil should stick to most things, rougher surfaces will allow the foil to stick better than a smooth surface will. Roughing up smooth surfaces with your [[Grinder]] or a [[Carborundum Stone]] can help with getting the foil to stick better.

=== 2. Edge Surface Cleaning ===
Applying [[Foil]] requires the surface it is being applied to be free of oils, dirt, dust, moisture and other grime. You are applying a metal tape and if it's not clean it will just fall off or barely stick.

=== 3. Pick Appropriate Foil ===
Now we need to pick appropriate foil for the material we plan on applying it to. There's lots of options, thus lets go over each part individually.

===== Foil Thickness =====
Thickness of the foil determines how easy it is to bend, flex and tear. Thin foil can easily tear while being worked while thicker foil will be stiffer and harder to tear.

{{FoilThicknessTable}}

===== Foil Backing Color =====
Foil has a couple options for the backing color it has. These backing colors aren't super important but using one or the other may have a very small effect on the look of the project. The color of the backing is an artistic choice that has no other meaning, they all will work the same otherwise.
{{FoilBackingTable}}

===== Foil Width =====
This is your most important part of the foil as the width determines how wide your solder joints will end up being and the foil must be wide enough to hold the parts you have in place by wrapping over the front and back faces.

{{FoilWidthTable}}

=== 4. Applying Foil ===

== Apply the Foil ==
This is where foiling can get tricky as there's many ways to peel back the paper and apply the foil.... there's no one technique that is perfect and there's even tools to help that you may have different results with. Regardless of what method or tools you use the goal is the same, get the foil on so it's evenly overlapping the front and back faces of whatever is being foiled.

So let's split this into parts and feel free to try a bunch of things! Including things not covered here!

Before we get started, we need to talk about concave parts. These parts will be more difficult to work with due to the foil wanting to pull straight, [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] occurring and the possibility of tools not fitting in places. They will require you to slow down and give them a bit more attention!

=== Foiling by Hand ===
{{:Guide:Hand Foiling}}

=== Foiling with Tools ===
As there's lots of tools that exist they will each get their own page for detailed instructions. Though they all follow the same general idea.

# Pick the correct tool/parts for the width of foil you are planning on using.
# Thread the foil through the tool.
# Set any gauges, stops or other things the tool may have.
# Run the tool along glass or run the glass through the tool till you get back to the start.
# Cut or tear the foil so that it overlaps the start point if you didn't go past it.
# Move to the next step!

{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Tool Guides
|Todo: Put them here someday hah.
|
|
|
|}

== Crimping & [[Burnishing]] ==
Now that we have the foil on the glass on the edge, we need to fold over the bits hanging out. This can be done in one or two stages depending on what shape the part is and what you are comfortable with. If you used a tool it may have already crimped the foil down for you.

# If you did not use a foiling tool, Grab your [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker, Pen or other hard smooth object. Using light to medium pressure, press the foil that you placed on the edge all the way around so it sticks in place good.
# (Optional) Crimp the foil with your fingers or tool by just pinching/pushing it over the edge.
# While making sure you are holding the tool flat against the glass, using light to medium pressure, press the foil down so it's nice and smooth on one side. What part of the tool you use doesn't matter as long as it's making full contact.
# When you get to a corner make sure to fold it so that the adhesive side is down.
# Repeat steps 1-4 or 3-4 as required.
# Flip the glass, repeat.

== Done! ==
If everything went well and to plan you are ready for soldering!

== Tips, Tricks, FAQ ==

* When burnishing small parts it might be beneficial to complete one whole side so you have a decent spot to grab the part.
* Placing the part on the table after crimping to burnish is also a good option if you can't hold it or don't want to. Just make sure the corners are folded down or you could bend them the wrong way!
* If a corner or any section of foil is showing the adhesive side you need to try and correct it. Solder will not stick at that location.
* If you have any [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] or other damaged foil you will need to [[Foil Repair|Repair]] it before soldering as the solder will only stick to the foil and nothing else.
* Foil can easily be trimmed with a craft knife! Get creative!

* '''Why does my Foil not stick?'''
** Foil does have a shelf life! Even sealed the adhesives can dry out and not stick anymore. Once open foil will dry out faster. While you can still use it, it's not enjoyable. You can test the foil by sticking it to a fingernail and pulling. It should peel like tape and not just pop off.
* '''Why does my foil always tear in this spot?'''
** Foil while malleable can't just be pressed flat in all spots, try gently pushing it over a little at a time going back and forth across it until it's flat. TODO: make a gif of this.
* '''Help! I changed my mind about the patina for the solder!/Do I need to match my foil with my solder?'''
** It's fine! Do what you want! It may look better matched but you probably won't notice unmatched in most cases. Most people wouldn't know the difference anyway.
* '''My foil is way too wide but my smaller foil is too small!'''
** Ah yes, when you need an in-between size but it doesn't exist. The easiest option is to line up the overlap on the '''FRONT SIDE''' of the glass so it looks correct and put all the extra on the back. Then use a craft knife to trim it so it's the right size! That way you don't need to trim it two times!
* '''How do I get foil into deep/small textures?'''
** This is a tricky one.... Depending on the texture you may just end up [[Foil Split|Splitting]] the foil tons. In cases like this using something like a [[Ripple Bit]] or [[Face Grinding]] to reduce the thickness changes would be beneficial. Otherwise just get it as close as possible. It isn't really noticeable unless using a backing that doesn't match the solder finish. It also won't really affect the strength at all.

[[Category:How to]]
[[Category:Foiling]]
[[Category:Foiling Tips]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Template:CollapsibleTitle

2025-12-02T21:42:21Z

Claycorp: Make it smol.

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Guide:Hand Foiling

2025-12-02T19:06:18Z

Claycorp:

This guide will walk you through foiling with using your hands and the least amount of tools to apply [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This is assuming you have already prepared, picked your [[Foil]] and cleaned your material, if you have not [[Guide: Foiling]] is an overview of then entire process.

===== Required Items: =====
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - The materials you are going to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - The foil you will be using to wrap your material.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

== Applying the Foil ==
<onlyinclude>There are many ways to apply foil with your hands and what works best for you will depend on your personal dexterity and hands. It's difficult to cover every way possible due to this, thus this is a generic tutorial picking out the easiest way possible for most.

=== Picking the Starting Side ===
{{Todo|todo=Add images showing where to start.}}

==== Internal Parts ====
Which side the foil is started isn't particularly important when a part is completely surrounded by other parts.

==== Edge Parts ====
Start your foil on an [[Inside Joint]] rather than on the outside edge. The overlap point is weak and prone to issues so keeping them inside results in stronger edges.

==== Edge Parts when using Came ====
When using came foiling the edge isn't needed and often skipped to save on time and foil. When this is the case we will always start on the outside edge and wrap around the [[Inside Joints]] ending on the outside again.

=== Foiling Away or Towards Yourself ===
When hand foiling you can decide what way you feed the foil and the direction you work around the part. There's no massive difference between them but they can give you different results if you are unsure of what is best for you, try them all!
{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Direction
!Feeding Foil
!Turning Part
!Comments
|-
|Towards
|Away
|Works well for larger parts.
|-
|Away
|Away
|Hard to line up as what you line up will move away from you.
|-
|Towards
|Towards
|Common to do by feeding foil across the hand or through the fingers and controlling it by spreading fingers out.
|-
|Away
|Towards
|Gives you a nice top down view, won't work with larger parts.
|}
{{Todo|todo=Add images/videos of each directions setup.

Template this section.}}

=== Setting the Start Point ===
Once you have decided if you need to start on a particular side we can start the foil. You are going to start the foil around a corner if there is one, if there is no corner then pick an area with the most protrusion or if none exist anywhere.

Peel back the paper from the foil a short distance but not too far it's unruly.

Hold your part in the other hand pinching the top and bottom face between your thumb and pointer away from where you plan to start or hold the part on the edges with multiple fingers. On parts that it doesn't matter what side you start, pick the side that is most comfortable or the easiest for you to hold the glass for.

Take the tail of the foil and stick it on as centered as possible right near the corner and rotate to the next side right away while holding the foil taught.

=== Continuing Around ===
Now we have an anchor and can keep the foil taught and line it up along the edge as work around the part pressing the foil against the glass. Keeping it taught helps with alignment as it can't bend or fold easily. Keep working your way around the part until you get back where you need to end.

In some cases you may need to burnish down one side or use your fingers to press one side down to hold the part so you don't mangle the already applied foil. Just do this as needed when you run into it.
{{Todo|todo=Add images of finished parts and pointing out overlaps.}}

==== Internal Parts and Edge Parts ====
Once you get back to the start point you want to overlap the start tail and then end the foil some.

==== Edge Parts when using Came ====
Wrap around until you get to the next outside edge and wrap around it slightly. This helps anchor the foil in place on the ends, much isn't needed so don't over do it else you may need to trim it back,

=== Done ===
Now the part is foiled and ready to [[Burnishing|Burnish]]</onlyinclude>, which will be on another page.

Guide:Hand Foiling

2025-12-02T18:42:36Z

Claycorp: Added onlyinclude tags, fixed a comment on the foiling direction table.

This guide will walk you through foiling with using your hands and the least amount of tools to apply [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This is assuming you have already prepared, picked your [[Foil]] and cleaned your material, if you have not [[Guide: Foiling]] is an overview of then entire process.

===== Required Items: =====
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - The materials you are going to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - The foil you will be using to wrap your material.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

<onlyinclude>== Applying the Foil ==
There are many ways to apply foil with your hands and what works best for you will depend on your personal dexterity and hands. It's difficult to cover every way possible due to this, thus this is a generic tutorial picking out the easiest way possible for most.

=== Picking the Starting Side ===
{{Todo|todo=Add images showing where to start.}}

==== Internal Parts ====
Which side the foil is started isn't particularly important when a part is completely surrounded by other parts.

==== Edge Parts ====
Start your foil on an [[Inside Joint]] rather than on the outside edge. The overlap point is weak and prone to issues so keeping them inside results in stronger edges.

==== Edge Parts when using Came ====
When using came foiling the edge isn't needed and often skipped to save on time and foil. When this is the case we will always start on the outside edge and wrap around the [[Inside Joints]] ending on the outside again.

=== Foiling Away or Towards Yourself ===
When hand foiling you can decide what way you feed the foil and the direction you work around the part. There's no massive difference between them but they can give you different results if you are unsure of what is best for you, try them all!
{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Direction
!Feeding Foil
!Turning Part
!Comments
|-
|Towards
|Away
|Works well for larger parts.
|-
|Away
|Away
|Hard to line up as what you line up will move away from you.
|-
|Towards
|Towards
|Common to do by feeding foil across the hand or through the fingers and controlling it by spreading fingers out.
|-
|Away
|Towards
|Gives you a nice top down view, won't work with larger parts.
|}
{{Todo|todo=Add images/videos of each directions setup.

Template this section.}}

=== Setting the Start Point ===
Once you have decided if you need to start on a particular side we can start the foil. You are going to start the foil around a corner if there is one, if there is no corner then pick an area with the most protrusion or if none exist anywhere.

Peel back the paper from the foil a short distance but not too far it's unruly.

Hold your part in the other hand pinching the top and bottom face between your thumb and pointer away from where you plan to start or hold the part on the edges with multiple fingers. On parts that it doesn't matter what side you start, pick the side that is most comfortable or the easiest for you to hold the glass for.

Take the tail of the foil and stick it on as centered as possible right near the corner and rotate to the next side right away while holding the foil taught.

=== Continuing Around ===
Now we have an anchor and can keep the foil taught and line it up along the edge as work around the part pressing the foil against the glass. Keeping it taught helps with alignment as it can't bend or fold easily. Keep working your way around the part until you get back where you need to end.

In some cases you may need to burnish down one side or use your fingers to press one side down to hold the part so you don't mangle the already applied foil. Just do this as needed when you run into it.
{{Todo|todo=Add images of finished parts and pointing out overlaps.}}

==== Internal Parts and Edge Parts ====
Once you get back to the start point you want to overlap the start tail and then end the foil some.

==== Edge Parts when using Came ====
Wrap around until you get to the next outside edge and wrap around it slightly. This helps anchor the foil in place on the ends, much isn't needed so don't over do it else you may need to trim it back,

=== Done ===
Now the part is foiled and ready to [[Burnishing|Burnish]]</onlyinclude>, which will be on another page.

Guide:Hand Foiling

2025-11-29T09:46:05Z

Claycorp: Hand foiling guide.

This guide will walk you through foiling with using your hands and the least amount of tools to apply [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This is assuming you have already prepared, picked your [[Foil]] and cleaned your material, if you have not [[Guide: Foiling]] is an overview of then entire process.

===== Required Items: =====
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - The materials you are going to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - The foil you will be using to wrap your material.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

== Applying the Foil ==
There are many ways to apply foil with your hands and what works best for you will depend on your personal dexterity and hands. It's difficult to cover every way possible due to this, thus this is a generic tutorial picking out the easiest way possible for most.

=== Picking the Starting Side ===
{{Todo|todo=Add images showing where to start.}}

==== Internal Parts ====
Which side the foil is started isn't particularly important when a part is completely surrounded by other parts.

==== Edge Parts ====
Start your foil on an [[Inside Joint]] rather than on the outside edge. The overlap point is weak and prone to issues so keeping them inside results in stronger edges.

==== Edge Parts when using Came ====
When using came foiling the edge isn't needed and often skipped to save on time and foil. When this is the case we will always start on the outside edge and wrap around the [[Inside Joints]] ending on the outside again.

=== Foiling Away or Towards Yourself ===
When hand foiling you can decide what way you feed the foil and the direction you work around the part. There's no massive difference between them but they can give you different results if you are unsure of what is best for you, try them all!
{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Direction
!Feeding Foil
!Turning Part
!Comments
|-
|Towards
|Away
|Works well for larger parts.
|-
|Away
|Away
|Can be obnoxious with the foil wrapping away then back around to you. Probably the hardest to see what you are doing.
|-
|Towards
|Towards
|Common to do by feeding foil across the hand or through the fingers and controlling it by spreading fingers out.
|-
|Away
|Towards
|Gives you a nice top down view, won't work with larger parts.
|}
{{Todo|todo=Add images/videos of each directions setup.

Template this section.}}

=== Setting the Start Point ===
Once you have decided if you need to start on a particular side we can start the foil. You are going to start the foil around a corner if there is one, if there is no corner then pick an area with the most protrusion or if none exist anywhere.

Peel back the paper from the foil a short distance but not too far it's unruly.

Hold your part in the other hand pinching the top and bottom face between your thumb and pointer away from where you plan to start or hold the part on the edges with multiple fingers. On parts that it doesn't matter what side you start, pick the side that is most comfortable or the easiest for you to hold the glass for.

Take the tail of the foil and stick it on as centered as possible right near the corner and rotate to the next side right away while holding the foil taught.

=== Continuing Around ===
Now we have an anchor and can keep the foil taught and line it up along the edge as work around the part pressing the foil against the glass. Keeping it taught helps with alignment as it can't bend or fold easily. Keep working your way around the part until you get back where you need to end.

In some cases you may need to burnish down one side or use your fingers to press one side down to hold the part so you don't mangle the already applied foil. Just do this as needed when you run into it.
{{Todo|todo=Add images of finished parts and pointing out overlaps.}}

==== Internal Parts and Edge Parts ====
Once you get back to the start point you want to overlap the start tail and then end the foil some.

==== Edge Parts when using Came ====
Wrap around until you get to the next outside edge and wrap around it slightly. This helps anchor the foil in place on the ends, much isn't needed so don't over do it else you may need to trim it back,

=== Done ===
Now the part is foiled and ready to [[Burnishing|Burnish]], which will be on another page.

MediaWiki:Gadgets-definition

2025-11-26T07:59:26Z

Claycorp:

* checkBox[ResourceLoader|type=general|default|hidden]|checkBox.js

MediaWiki:Gadgets-definition

2025-11-26T07:37:51Z

Claycorp: ffs...

MediaWiki:Gadgets-definition

2025-11-26T07:31:43Z

Claycorp: Add new tool.

MediaWiki:Licenses

2025-11-11T09:42:48Z

Claycorp: Would be great if the media wiki docs didn't suck... I'd fix it if those pages weren't super complex with all their translations and other magic stuff.

* Works made by me
** Public Domain By Author|Public Domain
* Works made by someone else
** Public Domain|Public Domain
** Fair Use|Fair Use

MediaWiki:Licenses

2025-11-11T09:36:59Z

Claycorp: Add these to the upload dropdown.

* Works made by me
** {{Public Domain By Author|Public Domain}}
* Works made by someone else
** {{Public Domain|Public Domain}}
** {{Fair Use|Fair Use}}

Template:Fair Use

2025-11-11T09:36:31Z

Claycorp: Fair use.

It is believed that this content has been uploaded and used within the provisions provided by the US Copyright Fair Use doctrine following, but not limited by, one of the below options.

The content is being used to:
* teach about the source.
* provide criticism of or about the source.
* display the source which is the topic of the page it is used, which is the primary way to identify it.
* depict a lesser part of the source, only using what is required to convey the required information.
* depict the source in a lower quality which does not interfere with the intended use of the original.

[[Category:Copyright Templates]]
<noinclude>
<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Fair use designation for uploaded content for things not authored by the uploader."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

Template:Public Domain By Author

2025-11-11T09:13:06Z

Claycorp: Category update.

This content has been provided by and dedicated to the Public Domain by the Author, thus relinquishing all their claims to any copyright they would have.

[[Category:Copyright Templates]]
<noinclude>
<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Public Domain commitment by the author of the content this is attached to."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

Template:Public Domain

2025-11-11T09:12:37Z

Claycorp: Created page with "This content was sourced from the public domain by someone which was not the author. Category:Copyright Templates <noinclude> <templatedata> { "params": {}, "description": "Notice of Public Domain for works used by non-authors." } </templatedata> </noinclude>"

This content was sourced from the public domain by someone which was not the author.

[[Category:Copyright Templates]]
<noinclude>
<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Notice of Public Domain for works used by non-authors."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

Template:Public Domain By Author

2025-11-11T09:07:21Z

Claycorp: Created page with "This content has been provided by and dedicated to the Public Domain by the Author, thus relinquishing all their claims to any copyright they would have. Category:Public Domain By Author <noinclude> <templatedata> { "params": {}, "description": "Public Domain commitment by the author of the content this is attached to." } </templatedata> </noinclude>"

This content has been provided by and dedicated to the Public Domain by the Author, thus relinquishing all their claims to any copyright they would have.

[[Category:Public Domain By Author]]
<noinclude>
<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Public Domain commitment by the author of the content this is attached to."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

MediaWiki:Print.css

2025-10-30T07:59:36Z

Claycorp: Add no print class for hiding elements from print pages.

/* CSS placed here will affect the print output */

/* Class to hide things from the print version.*/
@media print {
.noprint {
display: none !important;
}
}

MediaWiki:Gadget-checkBox.js

2025-10-30T07:54:49Z

Claycorp: Hide reset from printing and make it small text at the bottom of the list instead of ugly button at the top.

//This code was generated with Copilot.

$(function () {
const $checklists = $("div.checklist");
if (!$checklists.length) return;

const pageKey = mw.config.get('wgPageName') || 'defaultChecklist';

function hashString(str) {
let hash = 0;
for (let i = 0; i < str.length; i++) {
hash = ((hash << 5) - hash) + str.charCodeAt(i);
hash |= 0;
}
return hash.toString();
}

$checklists.each(function (listIndex) {
const $checklist = $(this);
const checklistKey = `${pageKey}-checklist-${listIndex}`;
let savedState = {};

try {
savedState = JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem(checklistKey)) || {};
} catch (e) {
savedState = {};
}

const $labels = [];

$checklist.find("li").each(function () {
const $li = $(this);
const rawText = $li.text().trim();
const itemId = hashString(rawText);
const isChecked = savedState[itemId] === true;

const $checkbox = $('<input type="checkbox">')
.prop("checked", isChecked)
.on("change", function () {
savedState[itemId] = $(this).prop("checked");
localStorage.setItem(checklistKey, JSON.stringify(savedState));
});

const $label = $('<label>')
.css({ display: 'block', margin: '5px 0' })
.append($checkbox)
.append(" ")
.append($li.contents());

$labels.push($label);
});

$checklist.empty();

$labels.forEach(label => $checklist.append(label));

const resetLink = $('<a>')
.text('Reset this checklist')
.attr('href', '#')
.addClass('noprint')
.css({
display: 'inline-block',
marginTop: '8px',
fontSize: '0.85em',
color: '#0077cc',
textDecoration: 'underline',
cursor: 'pointer'
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.on('click', function (e) {
e.preventDefault();
$checklist.find("input[type=checkbox]").each(function () {
$(this).prop("checked", false);
});
localStorage.removeItem(checklistKey);
});

$checklist.append(resetLink);
});
});

Guide: Foiling

2025-10-30T07:45:40Z

Claycorp: Half done with overhauling page with new guide standards and moving out as much info that can be templates or other pages and transcluded in.

Within this guide you will find all the information required for applying [[Foil]] for [[Foil Construction]]. This guide assumes you have materials prepared for this step already.

====== Required Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Prepared Materials - Most likely the glass you are trying to assemble.
* [[Foil]] - This is what is applied to your prepared materials.
* [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker or some other smooth hard object - Used to [[Burnish]] the foil to the prepared materials.}}

====== Optional Items: ======
{{Checklist|checkboxList=* Scissors/Thread Snips - Used for cutting the foil or backing paper. You can just tear them instead too.
* Damp Towel - Used to clean the glass prior to foiling if dirty.
* Dry Towel - Used to dry the glass prior to foiling if wet or to wipe off dust.
* [[Foiling Tool]] - Device used to help apply or crip the foil to your material.}}

=== 1. Edge Surface Prep (Optional) ===
While foil should stick to most things, rougher surfaces will allow the foil to stick better than a smooth surface will. Roughing up smooth surfaces with your [[Grinder]] or a [[Carborundum Stone]] can help with getting the foil to stick better.

=== 2. Edge Surface Cleaning ===
Applying [[Foil]] requires the surface it is being applied to be free of oils, dirt, dust, moisture and other grime. You are applying a metal tape and if it's not clean it will just fall off or barely stick.

=== 3. Pick Appropriate Foil ===
Now we need to pick appropriate foil for the material we plan on applying it to. There's lots of options, thus lets go over each part individually.

===== Foil Thickness =====
Thickness of the foil determines how easy it is to bend, flex and tear. Thin foil can easily tear while being worked while thicker foil will be stiffer and harder to tear.

{{FoilThicknessTable}}

===== Foil Backing Color =====
Foil has a couple options for the backing color it has. These backing colors aren't super important but using one or the other may have a very small effect on the look of the project. The color of the backing is an artistic choice that has no other meaning, they all will work the same otherwise.
{{FoilBackingTable}}

===== Foil Width =====
This is your most important part of the foil as the width determines how wide your solder joints will end up being and the foil must be wide enough to hold the parts you have in place by wrapping over the front and back faces.

{{FoilWidthTable}}

=== 4. Applying Foil ===

== Apply the Foil ==
This is where foiling can get tricky as there's many ways to peel back the paper and apply the foil.... there's no one technique that is perfect and there's even tools to help that you may have different results with. Regardless of what method or tools you use the goal is the same, get the foil on so it's evenly overlapping the front and back faces of whatever is being foiled.

So let's split this into parts and feel free to try a bunch of things! Including things not covered here!

Before we get started, we need to talk about concave parts. These parts will be more difficult to work with due to the foil wanting to pull straight, [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] occuring and the possibility of tools not fitting in places. They will require you to slow down and give them a bit more attention!

=== Foiling by Hand ===
{{Todo|todo=Insert images and a gif someday....}}

# Grab your foil and get the end started.
# Pull off a small section of paper, not too much as we don't want the foil to stick to everything else while we start it.
# Pick the end of a side to start at this will be our anchor point to hold the foil while we lightly pull on it.
# Try to center the foil as best as possible then press it on good.
# Rotate around to the next side, peel back more paper if you need to and lightly pull the foil taught.
# Line up as much as possible in the center of the foil.
# Press it on once centered.
# Repeat steps 5-7 until back at the start, being careful if the part has any concave sides.
# Once you get back to the start point you can cut or tear the foil so that there's a small bit of overlap.
# Move to the next step!

=== Foiling with Tools ===
As there's lots of tools that exist they will each get their own page for detailed instructions. Though they all follow the same general idea.

# Pick the correct tool/parts for the width of foil you are planning on using.
# Thread the foil through the tool.
# Set any gauges, stops or other things the tool may have.
# Run the tool along glass or run the glass through the tool till you get back to the start.
# Cut or tear the foil so that it overlaps the start point if you didn't go past it.
# Move to the next step!

{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Tool Guides
|Todo: Put them here someday hah.
|
|
|
|}

== Crimping & [[Burnishing]] ==
Now that we have the foil on the glass on the edge, we need to fold over the bits hanging out. This can be done in one or two stages depending on what shape the part is and what you are comfortable with. If you used a tool it may have already crimped the foil down for you.

# If you did not use a foiling tool, Grab your [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker, Pen or other hard smooth object. Using light to medium pressure, press the foil that you placed on the edge all the way around so it sticks in place good.
# (Optional) Crimp the foil with your fingers or tool by just pinching/pushing it over the edge.
# While making sure you are holding the tool flat against the glass, using light to medium pressure, press the foil down so it's nice and smooth on one side. What part of the tool you use doesn't matter as long as it's making full contact.
# When you get to a corner make sure to fold it so that the adhesive side is down.
# Repeat steps 1-4 or 3-4 as required.
# Flip the glass, repeat.

== Done! ==
If everything went well and to plan you are ready for soldering!

== Tips, Tricks, FAQ ==

* When burnishing small parts it might be beneficial to complete one whole side so you have a decent spot to grab the part.
* Placing the part on the table after crimping to burnish is also a good option if you can't hold it or don't want to. Just make sure the corners are folded down or you could bend them the wrong way!
* If a corner or any section of foil is showing the adhesive side you need to try and correct it. Solder will not stick at that location.
* If you have any [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] or other damaged foil you will need to [[Foil Repair|Repair]] it before soldering as the solder will only stick to the foil and nothing else.
* Foil can easily be trimmed with a craft knife! Get creative!

* '''Why does my Foil not stick?'''
** Foil does have a shelf life! Even sealed the adhesives can dry out and not stick anymore. Once open foil will dry out faster. While you can still use it, it's not enjoyable. You can test the foil by sticking it to a fingernail and pulling. It should peel like tape and not just pop off.
* '''Why does my foil always tear in this spot?'''
** Foil while malleable can't just be pressed flat in all spots, try gently pushing it over a little at a time going back and forth across it until it's flat. TODO: make a gif of this.
* '''Help! I changed my mind about the patina for the solder!/Do I need to match my foil with my solder?'''
** It's fine! Do what you want! It may look better matched but you probably won't notice unmatched in most cases. Most people wouldn't know the difference anyway.
* '''My foil is way too wide but my smaller foil is too small!'''
** Ah yes, when you need an in-between size but it doesn't exist. The easiest option is to line up the overlap on the '''FRONT SIDE''' of the glass so it looks correct and put all the extra on the back. Then use a craft knife to trim it so it's the right size! That way you don't need to trim it two times!
* '''How do I get foil into deep/small textures?'''
** This is a tricky one.... Depending on the texture you may just end up [[Foil Split|Splitting]] the foil tons. In cases like this using something like a [[Ripple Bit]] or [[Face Grinding]] to reduce the thickness changes would be beneficial. Otherwise just get it as close as possible. It isn't really noticeable unless using a backing that doesn't match the solder finish. It also won't really affect the strength at all.

[[Category:How to]]
[[Category:Foiling]]
[[Category:Foiling Tips]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Template:FoilWidthTable

2025-10-30T07:40:51Z

Claycorp: uhh, That's a pretty average, I don, that's normal size. (made size table)

{| class="wikitable"
|+[[Foil]] Widths
!Width
!Uses
|-
|5/32
|Used on thin glass or for other specialty applications. Barely covers the edge of average [[Sheet Glass]].
|-
|3/16
|Common to use for those wanting fine lead joints with average [[Sheet Glass]]. Does not work well for uneven/highly textured average [[Sheet Glass]].
|-
|7/32
|Most common and popular size. Works well for most glass and textures.
|-
|1/4
|Common beginner size due to how easy it is to work with. Looks more like [[Came]] when used. Works for almost all average [[Sheet Glass]].
|-
|5/16 and larger
|Not commonly used outside of super wide lead lines, decorative foiling or for foiling thick/heavily textured glass as the extra can be easily trimmed back when custom sized foil is needed.
|}

[[Category:TemplateTable]]
[[Category:Template:FoilWidthTable]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]
<noinclude>

{{Todo|todo=add mm size equivalents.}}

<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Table of the most common foil width sizes."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

Template:FoilBackingTable

2025-10-30T07:03:49Z

Claycorp: Fix table title and first column name.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ [[Foil]] Backing Colors
!Backing Color
!Uses
|-
|Black
|Good all around option, Hides edges on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], Looks good with any [[Patina]].
|-
|Silver
|Best used with no patina on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], can reflect light back into the glass.
|-
|Copper
|Best used with [[Copper Patina]] on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], Best option for [[Opaque Glass]], can reflect the copper color back into glass which can create unique effects in transparent or semi-transparent glass.
|}
[[Category:TemplateTable]]
[[Category:Template:FoilBackingTable]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]
<noinclude>
<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Table of all the backing options for Foil."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

Template:FoilBackingTable

2025-10-30T07:02:00Z

Claycorp: Backing table template cause it's never gonna change.

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Foil Backing
!Uses
|-
|Black
|Good all around option, Hides edges on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], Looks good with any [[Patina]].
|-
|Silver
|Best used with no patina on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], can reflect light back into the glass.
|-
|Copper
|Best used with [[Copper Patina]] on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], Best option for [[Opaque Glass]], can reflect the copper color back into glass which can create unique effects in transparent or semi-transparent glass.
|}
[[Category:TemplateTable]]
[[Category:Template:FoilBackingTable]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]
<noinclude>
<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Table of all the backing options for Foil."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

Template:FoilThicknessTable

2025-10-30T06:54:46Z

Claycorp: Categories, single word change.

{| class="wikitable"
|+[[Foil]] Thickness
!Mil <small>(Thousands of an Inch)</small>
!Uses
|-
| <1
|Don't bother. It will tear like tissue paper, often found as "electronics" foil.
|-
|1
|Almost as common as 1.25, Tears easy, Folds easiest, Stretches less when worked.
|-
|1.25
|Most common option, Tears moderately, Folds well, Stretches moderately when worked.
|-
|1.5
|Least common option, Tears hardest, Folds stiffly, Stretches harder when worked.
|}

[[Category:TemplateTable]]
[[Category:Template:FoilThicknessTable]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]
<noinclude>
<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Table of Foil Thickness values."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

Template:FoilThicknessTable

2025-10-30T06:47:22Z

Claycorp: Template this so it can be reused all over.

{| class="wikitable"
|+[[Foil]] Thickness
!Mil <small>(Thousands of an Inch)</small>
!Uses
|-
| <1
|Don't bother. It will tear like tissue paper, often found as "electronics" foil.
|-
|1
|Almost as common as 1.25, Tears easy, Folds easiest, Stretches less when worked.
|-
|1.25
|Most common option, Tears moderately, Folds ok, Stretches moderately when worked.
|-
|1.5
|Least common option, Tears hardest, Folds stiffly, Stretches harder when worked.
|}
<noinclude>
<templatedata>
{
"params": {},
"description": "Table of Foil Thickness values."
}
</templatedata>
</noinclude>

Category:Foil Construction Guides

2025-10-29T08:52:27Z

Claycorp: Created page with "All guides that apply to Foil Construction only. Category:Leaded Glasswork Guides Category:Foil Construction"

All guides that apply to [[Foil Construction]] only.
[[Category:Leaded Glasswork Guides]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Category:Leaded Glasswork Guides

2025-10-29T08:50:14Z

Claycorp: Created page with "Contains sub parent categories for Foil Construction and Came Construction guides. Any guides that don't fit either or both of these specifically can be added here. Category:Cold Glass Guides Category:Leaded Glasswork"

Contains sub parent categories for [[Foil Construction]] and [[Came Construction]] guides. Any guides that don't fit either or both of these specifically can be added here.
[[Category:Cold Glass Guides]]
[[Category:Leaded Glasswork]]

Category:Cold Glass Guides

2025-10-29T08:46:27Z

Claycorp: Created page with "Collection of intermediate cold glass parent categories for guides. There should be no individual guides in this category unless it's an otherwise uncategorizable guide. Category:Guides Category:Cold Glass"

Collection of intermediate cold glass parent categories for guides. There should be no individual guides in this category unless it's an otherwise uncategorizable guide.
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Cold Glass]]

Category:Guides

2025-10-29T08:42:09Z

Claycorp: Created page with "Collection of guide parent categories. Individual guides should not be in this list! Find the most suitable child branch to place it in. Category:Glasswork"

Collection of guide parent categories. Individual guides should not be in this list! Find the most suitable child branch to place it in.
[[Category:Glasswork]]

How to Contribute

2025-10-29T08:35:51Z

Claycorp: Add guide and category expectations.

So you would like to contribute to Working With Glass? That's fantastic! Though there are some expectations of content contributed to this wiki, this page is dedicated to tracking the various standards we use.

You can also find discussion about this wiki taking place on Discord here: https://discord.gg/EEAWGjG3qx

# Information must be as accurate as possible.
# In cases where there's multiple methods the pros and cons of each method should be talked about. Just because you like one over the other does not mean the article information should match what you prefer.
# This wiki is not here for you to advertise anything you make or are part of. Please do not use it as such.
# Information is expected to be consumed by anyone, make sure to explain things in detail and link to other sections of the wiki as needed when writing up information.

If you are unsure where to start, try checking out the [[Special:WantedPages]] list for pages that need to be made or you can check [[:Category:Todo]] for pages that need to be finished or updated.

== Guides ==
Guides are any type of content where step by step instructions are being provided.

The following must be met when creating guides.

# Guide pages must follow the name format of <code>Guide: Pagename</code>. An example would be [[Guide: Foiling]].
# Guides that rely on multiple other smaller guides should be broken into individual pages and then those pages are transcluded into larger guides. An example would be [[Guide: Hand Foiling]] being it's own page which transcludes into [[Guide: Foiling]].
# Guide pages should use [[Template:Checklist]] at the start of the page for a list of required items to be used in the guide.
# All instructions should be written so someone with no to little experience can understand them with interwiki links to as many topics/terms/tools as possible.

== Categories ==
We use a tree like structure for sorting categories, You can see the current tree structure by visiting [[Special:CategoryTree]].

When adding new categories they should follow the existing tree. When adding a new high level parent category the child categories should also be added to any other parents they apply to. Example would be adding the Guides parent with the Foil Guides child chain.All the valid layers get added to their matching sections including their own tree. This does cause lots of "duplicate" branches but this also keep everything accessible from as many places as possible, this doesn't create duplicate Categories. They just need to be made once and added to the appropriate other categories.

====== Example Tree ======
<blockquote>Contents

├── Glasswork

│ ├── Cold Glass

│ │ ├── Cold Glass Guides

│ │ │ └── Leaded Glasswork Guides

│ │ │ └── Foil Guides

│ │ └── Leaded Glasswork

│ │ ├── Leaded Glasswork Guides

│ │ │ └── Foil Guides

│ │ ├── Foil Construction

│ │ │ └── Foil Guides

│ │ └── Came Construction

│ └── Guides

│ └── Cold Glass Guides

│ └── Leaded Glasswork Guides

│ └── Foil Guides

└── Templates

├── MessageBox

│ └── Todo

└── Checklist</blockquote>

How to Foil

2025-10-29T07:22:56Z

Claycorp: Claycorp moved page How to Foil to Guide: Foiling: Update name to new format.

#REDIRECT [[Guide: Foiling]]

Guide: Foiling

2025-10-29T07:22:56Z

Claycorp: Claycorp moved page How to Foil to Guide: Foiling: Update name to new format.

This guide is for people wanting to learn the application of [[Foil]]. This guide is assuming you have something to apply it to already.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Things Required
!Item
!Use
|-
|[[Foil]]
|This is what you are applying.
|-
|Scissors/Thread Snips
(Optional)
|Used to cut the foil and paper backing. Thread snips are better than scissors as they are always open.
Can also just tear the foil or paper if you prefer that.
|-
|[[Fid]]/[[Lathekin]]/Marker/Pen or
Some sort of smooth hard object.
|This is what you will be using to [[Burnish]] the foil. Nearly anything works, many people just use the butt of their glass makers.
|-
|Damp Towel (Optional)
|Used for cleaning the glass.
|-
|Dry Towel (Optional)
|Used for cleaning the glass dry or drying it after washing/cleaning.
|-
|[[Foiling Tool]] (Optional)
|A device to apply and/or crimp the foil for you. Hands are a valid option too!
|}

== Step 1: Surface Prep (Optional) ==
While foil should stick to most things, rougher surfaces will allow the foil to stick better than a smooth surface will. Roughing up smooth surfaces with your [[Grinder]] or a [[Carborundum Stone]] can help with getting the foil to stick better.

== Step 2: Washing or Cleaning ==
To apply foil to any material the area that the foil is being applied to must be free of dust, dirt, oils and any loose bits. Foil is just like working with tape so if it's not clean it won't stick!

== Step 3: Pick the Width and Type of [[Foil]] ==
Foil comes in a variety of widths, thicknesses and backing colors. Depending on the piece you are working with you will want to pick a foil that matches it. Keep in mind that this is also an artistic choice so if you really want copper to show you absolutely can as the backing color does nothing special otherwise.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Foil Backing
!Uses
|-
|Black
|Good all around option, Hides edges on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], Looks good with any [[Patina]].
|-
|Silver
|Best used with no patina on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], can reflect light back into the glass.
|-
|Copper
|Best used with [[Copper Patina]] on clear or [[Cathedral Glass]], Best option for [[Opaque Glass]], can reflect lightly copper colored light back into glass. Can create interesting effects in some semi-transparent glass.
|}
Due to the amount of foil sizes and variety of uses only the three most common will be placed in the table.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Foil Width (Inches)
!Uses
|-
|Smaller than 3/16
|Used on thin glass or for other specialty applications. Isn't going to cover most things.
|-
|3/16
|Skinny lead lines, harder to work with. Will not work well for uneven/highly textured/thicker glass.
|-
|7/32
|Probably the most popular all around foil. Gives small lead lines but not too small that it's hard to work with.
|-
|1/4
|Larger lead lines, easy to work with, often used for thicker objects.
|-
|Larger than 1/4
|Used for fat lead lines, decorative foiling or for foiling thick/heavily textured glass as the extra can be easily cut back.
|}
Finally you need to pick a thickness! Though there's few options out there for glasswork.....
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Foil Thickness in Mil (Thousands of an Inch)
!Uses
|-
|Anything Thinner
|Don't bother. It will tear like tissue paper, often found as "electronics" foil.
|-
|1 Mil
|"Normal" quality, Can tear easier than thicker foils but will fold better on complex curves/shapes.
|-
|1.25 Mil
|"Higher" quality, Can be a bit more stiff and won't fold as nice on complex curves/shapes.
|}

== Step 4: Apply the Foil ==
This is where foiling can get tricky as there's many ways to peel back the paper and apply the foil.... there's no one technique that is perfect and there's even tools to help that you may have different results with. Regardless of what method or tools you use the goal is the same, get the foil on so it's evenly overlapping the front and back faces of whatever is being foiled.

So let's split this into parts and feel free to try a bunch of things! Including things not covered here!

Before we get started, we need to talk about concave parts. These parts will be more difficult to work with due to the foil wanting to pull straight, [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] occuring and the possibility of tools not fitting in places. They will require you to slow down and give them a bit more attention!

=== Foiling by Hand ===
{{Todo|todo=Insert images and a gif someday....}}

# Grab your foil and get the end started.
# Pull off a small section of paper, not too much as we don't want the foil to stick to everything else while we start it.
# Pick the end of a side to start at this will be our anchor point to hold the foil while we lightly pull on it.
# Try to center the foil as best as possible then press it on good.
# Rotate around to the next side, peel back more paper if you need to and lightly pull the foil taught.
# Line up as much as possible in the center of the foil.
# Press it on once centered.
# Repeat steps 5-7 until back at the start, being careful if the part has any concave sides.
# Once you get back to the start point you can cut or tear the foil so that there's a small bit of overlap.
# Move to the next step!

=== Foiling with Tools ===
As there's lots of tools that exist they will each get their own page for detailed instructions. Though they all follow the same general idea.

# Pick the correct tool/parts for the width of foil you are planning on using.
# Thread the foil through the tool.
# Set any gauges, stops or other things the tool may have.
# Run the tool along glass or run the glass through the tool till you get back to the start.
# Cut or tear the foil so that it overlaps the start point if you didn't go past it.
# Move to the next step!

{| class="wikitable"
|+Foiling Tool Guides
|Todo: Put them here someday hah.
|
|
|
|}

== Step 5: Crimping & [[Burnishing]] ==
Now that we have the foil on the glass on the edge, we need to fold over the bits hanging out. This can be done in one or two stages depending on what shape the part is and what you are comfortable with. If you used a tool it may have already crimped the foil down for you.

# If you did not use a foiling tool, Grab your [[Fid]], [[Lathekin]], Marker, Pen or other hard smooth object. Using light to medium pressure, press the foil that you placed on the edge all the way around so it sticks in place good.
# (Optional) Crimp the foil with your fingers or tool by just pinching/pushing it over the edge.
# While making sure you are holding the tool flat against the glass, using light to medium pressure, press the foil down so it's nice and smooth on one side. What part of the tool you use doesn't matter as long as it's making full contact.
# When you get to a corner make sure to fold it so that the adhesive side is down.
# Repeat steps 1-4 or 3-4 as required.
# Flip the glass, repeat.

== Done! ==
If everything went well and to plan you are ready for soldering!

== Tips, Tricks, FAQ ==

* When burnishing small parts it might be beneficial to complete one whole side so you have a decent spot to grab the part.
* Placing the part on the table after crimping to burnish is also a good option if you can't hold it or don't want to. Just make sure the corners are folded down or you could bend them the wrong way!
* If a corner or any section of foil is showing the adhesive side you need to try and correct it. Solder will not stick at that location.
* If you have any [[Foil Split|Foil Splits]] or other damaged foil you will need to [[Foil Repair|Repair]] it before soldering as the solder will only stick to the foil and nothing else.
* Foil can easily be trimmed with a craft knife! Get creative!

* '''Why does my Foil not stick?'''
** Foil does have a shelf life! Even sealed the adhesives can dry out and not stick anymore. Once open foil will dry out faster. While you can still use it, it's not enjoyable. You can test the foil by sticking it to a fingernail and pulling. It should peel like tape and not just pop off.
* '''Why does my foil always tear in this spot?'''
** Foil while malleable can't just be pressed flat in all spots, try gently pushing it over a little at a time going back and forth across it until it's flat. TODO: make a gif of this.
* '''Help! I changed my mind about the patina for the solder!/Do I need to match my foil with my solder?'''
** It's fine! Do what you want! It may look better matched but you probably won't notice unmatched in most cases. Most people wouldn't know the difference anyway.
* '''My foil is way too wide but my smaller foil is too small!'''
** Ah yes, when you need an in-between size but it doesn't exist. The easiest option is to line up the overlap on the '''FRONT SIDE''' of the glass so it looks correct and put all the extra on the back. Then use a craft knife to trim it so it's the right size! That way you don't need to trim it two times!
* '''How do I get foil into deep/small textures?'''
** This is a tricky one.... Depending on the texture you may just end up [[Foil Split|Splitting]] the foil tons. In cases like this using something like a [[Ripple Bit]] or [[Face Grinding]] to reduce the thickness changes would be beneficial. Otherwise just get it as close as possible. It isn't really noticeable unless using a backing that doesn't match the solder finish. It also won't really affect the strength at all.

[[Category:How to]]
[[Category:Foiling]]
[[Category:Foiling Tips]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Category:Foil Construction

2025-10-28T06:53:25Z

Claycorp: Created page with "Everything regarding making projects with or building with foil. Category:Leaded Glasswork"

Everything regarding making projects with or building with foil.
[[Category:Leaded Glasswork]]

Category:Templates

2025-10-28T06:50:31Z

Claycorp: Created page with "Collection of all Template categories. One off templates can be put here, otherwise if a template is part of a group of templates, make/use a child category. Category:Contents"

Collection of all Template categories. One off templates can be put here, otherwise if a template is part of a group of templates, make/use a child category.
[[Category:Contents]]

Category:Came

2025-10-28T06:45:42Z

Claycorp: Correct category

Pages that are about came itself like [[Rigid Came]] or [[Lead Came]]. Not the construction method or completed works.
[[Category:Came Construction]]

Foil Overlay

2025-10-28T06:31:58Z

Claycorp: Category update.

{{ChildTopicBox|parentPage=Overlay}}

'''Foil Overlay''' is a subset of [[Overlay]] specifically using copper foil as the base and then applying solder to it to achieve the look desired.

== Uses ==
Foil overlay is great for complex shapes or even machine cut designs as foil can easily be found in large sheets. These sheets can easily be loaded into most craft/vinyl cutters and are thin enough to be cut with good accuracy. Otherwise a good [[Craft Knife]] will easily cut any foil if you don't have a cutting machine or prefer to do it by hand.
{{Todo|todo=Insert some examples of foil overlay.}}

== Creating the Overlay ==
You have two options for starting with [[Foil]], either use the standard foil you would use for [[Foil Construction]] or buy whole sheets.

When using the standard foil, you should slightly overlap each strip so you have a continuous layer of copper as any holes will show.
{{Todo|todo=Add images of sheet or strip.}}
Then you cut out your design and apply solder to it.

== Issues with Foil Overlay ==

=== Adhesive backing ===
As the vast majority of foil a stained glass worker will have access to will have adhesive applied, many will think that this adhesive is enough to keep it in place. You shouldn't ever rely on the adhesive backing on foil to keep your overlay in place. Attaching it to solder joints is prefered, but you can also use some glue to help keep it in place for things that need to float or are far away from a joint.

=== Overheating Glass ===
As foil overlay is made in place it can cause [[Heat Crack|Heat Cracks]] to the glass below when the overlay is soldered. One way to prevent this is to create the overlay on scrap glass or heat resistant glass like a microwave turntable. Then once it's done, the overlay is removed from what it was made on and applied to the project.

=== Adhesive Cooking (Foil Strips Only) ===
When using strips of foil to make a sheet of foil, as overlay is often a high work area and will collect lots of heat it's easy to overheat the area. If you are using lots of strips you can easily cause the adhesive below to cook and squish out where the strips overlap. Once this happens the adhesive sticking out will need to be removed for a clean overlay as solder will not stick to it.
[[Category:Overlay]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Category:Came Construction

2025-10-28T06:30:36Z

Claycorp: Created page with "Everything regarding making projects with or building with preformed came. Category:Leaded Glasswork"

Everything regarding making projects with or building with preformed came.
[[Category:Leaded Glasswork]]

Leaded Glasswork

2025-10-28T06:25:07Z

Claycorp: Update contents to match page name and better differentiate from high lead bearing glass and glasswork.

'''Leaded Glasswork''' can refer to multiple things depending on the context.

* [[Leaded Glasswork (Stained Glass)]] - Multiple parts of glass connected together with lead containing materials.
** [[Leaded Glasswork (Came)]] - Multiple parts of glass connected together with [[Lead Came]].
** [[Leaded Glasswork (Foil)]] - Multiple parts of glass connected together with [[Foil Construction]] using [[Leaded Solder]].
This shouldn't be confused with
* [[Leaded Glass]] - Glass that is made with high percentages of lead, often called [[Crystal]].
[[Category:Stained Glass]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]
[[Category:Came Construction]]

Leaded Glasswork

2025-10-28T06:19:29Z

Claycorp: Claycorp moved page Leaded Glass to Leaded Glasswork without leaving a redirect: Focus down this topic to just glasswork excluding glass made with high lead content.

'''Leaded Glass''' can refer to multiple things depending on the context.

* [[Leaded Glass (Stained Glass)]] - Multiple parts of glass connected together with lead containing materials.
** [[Leaded Glass (Came)]] - Multiple parts of glass connected together with [[Lead Came]].
** [[Leaded Glass (Foil)]] - Multiple parts of glass connected together with [[Foil Construction]] using [[Leaded Solder]].
* [[Leaded Glass (Glass)]] - Glass that is made with high percentages of lead, often called [[Crystal]].

[[Category:Came]]
[[Category:Foil Construction]]

Category:Came

2025-10-28T06:17:46Z

Claycorp: Description change.

Pages that are about came itself like [[Rigid Came]] or [[Lead Came]]. Not the construction method or completed works.
[[Category:Leaded Glasswork]]

Category:Came

2025-10-28T06:11:46Z

Claycorp: Update for category tree.

Pages that are about anything related to [[Came]] or [[Came Construction]] regardless of using [[Rigid Came]] or [[Lead Came]].
[[Category:Leaded Glasswork]]

Category:Leaded Glasswork

2025-10-28T06:10:29Z

Claycorp: Created page with "Contains all the ways metal is used in combination with glass to make art, like Foil Construction and Came Construction. Category:Cold Glass"

Contains all the ways metal is used in combination with glass to make art, like [[Foil Construction]] and [[Came Construction]].
[[Category:Cold Glass]]

Category:Cold Glass

2025-10-28T05:50:10Z

Claycorp: Updated for category tree

[[Cold Glass]] parent category for any types of work done with the glass cold like [[Stained Glass]], [[Foil Construction]], [[Carving]], [[Media Blasting]] and others.
[[Category:Glasswork]]

Category:Glasswork

2025-10-28T05:44:57Z

Claycorp: Created page with "A collection of all the pages related to glassworking. Don't place any wiki technical pages in this category. Category:Contents"

A collection of all the pages related to glassworking. Don't place any wiki technical pages in this category.
[[Category:Contents]]

Category:Contents

2025-10-28T05:39:50Z

Claycorp: Creating category tree.

Root/Top Level category containing all the contents of this Wiki. This page shouldn't have any categories added to it.

Came Vise

2025-10-24T08:05:49Z

Claycorp: Initial page.

A '''Came Vise''' is a small metal tool which is either attached to a surface or hooked on the edge of something like a table which has a toothed spring loaded jaw to hold sticks of [[Lead Came]] in place.

{{Todo|todo=* Image of a came vise.
* Image of the vise attached in multiple ways.
* Image of it in use.}}

== Similar Tools ==
While a Came Vise is handy, a regular vise or other similar clamping device can be used in place of this tool.

== Uses ==
The only use of a Came Vise is for holding [[Lead Came]] for the purpose of straightening it.

== How to Use ==
There's two ways to use a Lead Vise depending on if it's being held in place or just hooked on the edge of something. The hook options also rely on your lead vise having the option to hook it on things too, it may not have this.

==== Attached to the work surface: ====

# If the lead vise is not already attached or held in place, put it there.
# Pull up on the back of the jaw.
# Insert the [[Lead Came]] into the jaw so the came sticks out past where the jaw contacts the surface of it.
# Lightly hit the back of the jaw to set the teeth.
# Straighten the came.
# Pull up on the back of the jaw to release the came. If it seems stuck, lightly push the came into the jaw to release the teeth then pull up on the back of the jaw.

==== Hooked on the edge of something: ====

# Place the Lead Vice on the work surface.
# Insert the [[Lead Came]] into the closed jaw.
# Pull open the back of the jaw and slide the came in so the came sticks out past where the jaw contacts the surface of it.
# Lightly hit the back of the jaw to set the teeth.
# Hook the back base of the vice on the edge of a solid surface.
# Straighten the came.
# Place the vise back on the surface.
# Pull up on the back of the jaw to release the came. If it seems stuck, lightly push the came into the jaw to release the teeth then pull up on the back of the jaw.

== Parts of Tool ==

# Base plate/foot
# Jaw
# Jaw spring
# Jaw pin

[[Category:Tools]]