Supplier of Stained Glass Solder Wires
In stained glass work, solder is essential for joining pieces of glass by bonding them via copper foil or lead came. The type of solder you choose affects strength, ease of use, and finish. Below are common solders used in stained glass work. Mayer Alloys supplies the stained glass industry with materials to create and restore stained glass windows, lamps, sun catchers, cabinets and doors. Examples include 50Sn/50Pb Wire, 60Sn/40Pb Wire and 63Sn/37Pb Wire.
50Sn/50Pb
Melting Range: 361°F–421°F (183°C–216°C)
Type: Non-eutectic (has a wider plastic range)
Best For: Structural strength and came work
Advantages:Â Stays semi-liquid longer, helpful for joining heavier lead came pieces, cheaper than 60/40 due to the lower amounts of tin and lead in the alloy
Drawbacks: Doesn’t flow as cleanly, harder to make smooth solder lines
Common Use: Lead came windows and reinforcing joints
60Sn/40PB
Melting Range: 361°F–376°F (183°C–191°C)
Type: Eutectic-ish (nearly eutectic, flows smoothly but has a short plastic range)
Best For: General stained glass work
Advantages:Â Flows smoothly and evenly, easy to control and produces clean bead lines
Easy to control
Produces clean bead lines
Common Use: Foil method (Tiffany style), lead came wor
63Sn/37PB
Melting Point: 361°F (183°C) — eutectic alloy
Best For: Precision soldering and fine detail
Advantages: Immediate transition from solid to liquid and ideal for for decorative solder work
Common Uses:Â High-end or professional stained glass work
Solder Scrap
In addition to supplying your solder wire, Mayer can also help you recycle your solder scrap Join the Mayer Bucket Reclamation Program, to collect and get paid for your solder scrap.