What are the basic start up costs for stained glass making

by Multiple Artists

Q: What are the basic start up cost of getting the materials needed?

A: We handle this question quite a bit and it is a great question for someone wanting to test the waters of stained glass making.

That is a question I would like to apply a single dollar amount but a lot is based on what supplies you purchase/need.

The main tools: Pistol grip cutter. This is the best tool for cutting and breaking glass. It has oil in the handle and a good grip for scoring - Cost ranges: $7-$10. Learn more about this and other stained glass cutter tools.

Another tool - carbide wheel cutter. This tool has a blade for scoring but also a ball on the other end to help break a curved piece of glass. This tool also ranges in price: $7-$10.

Stained Glass Pliers: This tool is great for breaking large pieces of glass. It has a rubber end to be able to grab the glass firmly to break - Cost averages $10.

Square: Tool used to level out your design. You don't want to do all the work and find your piece not square- This could be purchased at any hardware store- Lowe's, Home Depot. $10-15.

Grozer pliers: This tool is great to get into small spots to clip away the glass such as a fine point. Cost- $10-15.

Other tools & supplies needed:

Copper foil- $5-7
Solder iron-$20-$60
Solder- $3-6
Flux- $3-5
Patina- $5-8
Scissors- $3-15
Permanent marker pens- $5
Small brushes: $1-3

We recommend looking into the different types of stained glass kits on the market to get everything you need in one.

The largest tool that is most helpful is the Grinder- They range in price between $150-250.

This tool is a time saver and well as very efficient over a carbonum stone. This tool is used to smooth the edges of the cut glass pieces.

Glass can range in price $6-25 depending on the texture, color, and quality of glass. Stores such as Hobby Lobby have square pieces of glass that is good for beginners - not too expensive.

We would say to get started the beginning cost ranges between $200-400 and up.

But remember once you have the tools, you can always add more tools but the rest in filling in on items like glass and solder.

The supplies do last a good amount of time and if you feel this hobby is worth it- the rewards are even better.

Most hobbies have a good start up fee but again the results will make you laugh and smile at what you accomplished.

The items listed above are the basic start up- there are so many more tools that you could invest in- but these are the basics that we started with and built from there.

We highly recommend checking out stores such as Delphi Glass or
A1 Stained Glass - They both have everything you need and more! Two very good companies online to buy from.

Here are a couple of links to our tools and supplies sections...

Stained Glass Tools

Discount Stained Glass Supplies

If others have tips on must have tools and supplies please leave a comment below...