There
are some techniques to make leading of small circles
easier, more accurate and circular.
Use
oval or round came to reduce the kinking of the leaves
of the came. As there is less material at the edges
of the leaves of oval came, there is less kinking than
on flat came, where the thickness of the leaves is constant.
Estimate
the length of lead came required by rolling the circle
along the heart of the came, and cut the came off a
little long. Begin to wrap the came round the circle,
making sure the beginning is properly tucked against
the glass. Continue to wrap the remainder around until
it meets the beginning.
Open
the came from the circle and cut the end of the beginning
of the came at about a 45 degree angle. Fold it back
against the glass. Estimate where the end of the came
needs to be cut to meet the beginning.
Cut
it at the same 45 degree angle as the beginning. Move
the two ends together. If the edges displace each other
upwards and downwards, you still have too much came.
So just open and trim a little more off. Try again until
the angled edges meet without much movement up and down.
This
provides a neat, round circle of lead around the glass.
Align the cut to butt against a joint or passing came
to ready it for soldering.
This
technique can also be used on ovals.
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