When To Reinforce A Panel

@ For a large project that wouldn't have the reinforcement of a frame, it is important to make sure that the design avoids having any hinge points, and to provide the strongest outside border possible. If you opt to complete the project with came, be sure to stretch the U channel well that you are using for the outside border, and run it in long continuous pieces (try to avoid any unnecessary cuts). At each point that the interior came or solder lines connects with the border be sure to solder from both the front and back side to attached the U channel came securely. If you prefer to complete the project with copper foil, applying a length of ball chain, twisted wire, or even regular copper or pre-tinned wire around the outside will help add strength. To do this, you can solder the project together and tin the outside edges, then simply apply the reinforcement as a single piece around the outside and solder it in place to form a nice bead around the perimeter.

@ Thanks for your question - it's a tricky one. I consulted with one of our knowledgeable instructors that has years of experience creating and repairing stained glass. Any time you add reinforcement to a panel, you goal is to help redistribute the weight in a way that prevents bowing due to the combined influence of weight, time and gravity. This is most frequently achieved by running reinforcement horizontally, but there's no absolute one-size-fits all answer. The size ratio of height to width, the exact pattern design and the overall dimensions are all factors that could result in a decision to reinforce vertically instead. In some instances, artists may decide to build sections of the pattern as separate panels to allow for better distribution of the weight. Whatever way you determine to install the reinforcement, it is important to ensure all solder or came lines that the reinforcement crosses are soldered to the reinforcement, and that the reinforcement is run continuously edge-to-edge and securely soldered to your border. While not providing a definite answer, I hope this helps you take a step back to look at where and how you can add strength to your design.

@SJLaun Re-strip is an excellent option for many projects, and should be installed between glass pieces following pattern lines as a continuous strip from border to border to gain the most strength. There are no absolute rules to providing support for glass art, as the overall panel size, number of pieces in the design, horizontal and vertical dimensions and how the artwork is to be hung or installed can all be factors in deciding how to reinforce your art.Reinforcement is generally installed spanning the shorter dimension, whether horizontal or vertical.Thank you for your insightful comments and questions.

Two things: First, the question did not specify which of the dimensions was horizontal or vertical. Is supporting rebar always "horizontal" or should it span the short dimension of the window? Second, I think the option of Re-strip needs to be addressed here, since many designs do not lend themselves to big straight lines of re-bar.

i very seldom make my windows using lead came i work in copper foil so i reinforce with 12 gauge copper wire soldered right into the solder lines.it becomes invisible i also use this technique on my lamp shades