Advice for new stained glass students

Tools of the Trade

Lately I have been asked by students what advice I give new stained glass students. There is a lot of advice I give during a weeks long class but the quick and is easy answer is…

Do not go out and buy “stained glass tools you see used on Youtube”.

So many of my studnets come to the first class so excited to start. We use classroom tools, which are the very toos I use in studio for the past 42 plus years. (Some are upgrades like the electric grinder replaced the sanding stone and the electric soldering iron replaced the gas soldering torch)

The tools are good to get to know and how they work or don’t work for you. I do bring other tools for students to try.

But many students go home after the first class and go to Youtube to watch stained glass videos. Then buy all those tools online at Amazon. STOP! Some of them are ill advised and pass that information on.

Let time work with you in class, there is planty of time to buy later and I will share that information freely but not on the first day. No one should be forced to buy tools when they are readily available in class. If you want to work at home, ask me what is good. I can show you crap tools if you want to save money- you get what you pay for!

I want my students to learn before they buy. It is simple. What tools feel good, work well and stand up to the test of time. Ask any of my past or present students and they will tell you truthfully how I teach and feel about tools. (And how I feel about copying patterns off the internet without permission!)

If you ever want to pick my brain, feel free to reach out and I will tell you what I think- plain and true.