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No matter what kind of artist you are, every stained glass artisan can improve with the right stained glass tools. Like you probably guessed though, with so many different brands and equipment on the market, it can be difficult to find the one that will fit your needs, your experience level, and at a price you can afford. Below you'll find the staples of the stained glass artist and tools that are hard to live without.
Obviously, an important part of the stained glass project is the glass itself. Leading the pack is the highly respected manufacturer Spectrum Glass. They typically are the favored manufacturer for a number of reasons. They are always on the cutting edge of new colors, designs, and textures. Not only that, they have the largest retail network which means that its easier for you to find either through an internet store or through a local art supplies shop. Spectrum Glass is also extremely easy to work with and the glass always has very high quality. That's why it's the choice for most hobbyists and professionals.
Any experienced glass artist can tell you, you need to get good at cutting glass. A stained glass saws is likely one of the more expensive tools you will buy for your hobby. Its something that most artisans will want to get after they start doing more and more art. Most people will opt to buy a good stained glass grinder prior to investing in the saw, but it depends on what your needs are. A good saw certainly isn't the magic pill, but it makes your life a little easier. It certainly has its place for making more precise cuts where you need to be very exact, but you will still 'score and break' by hand quite often as its just easier to do so.
Quality stained glass grinders are another tool that is useful for a serious stained glass artisan. Pick the model number that makes sense based on the amount of annual expected use. Some of the well known grinders are made the Glastar grinders, Inland, or Gryphon. They have a a great reputation in the glass marketplace.The grinder is used to shape the rough cut after the glass has been cut using a saw or by hand. While the glass grinder is not necessarily a tool that you need, depending on the number of projects that you plan on doing, it will save you a lot of time.
Its important when you are getting started that you don't get overzealous and spend too much money off the bat, even if its at a discount stained glass supplies store. Different gadgets will make the glass art a little simpler, but I like to buy one tool per trip so I can take my time with it and learn how to use it. Plus, as your skills build, you will refine what you're looking for in your glass tools. Its not a good idea to go out and buy everything at once, because your needs will change as time goes on and so will the tool that you want to buy Hopefully these tips will guide you along with your purchase of your stained glass tools.
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