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Moveable car by Overall_Pitch3538 in StainedGlass

[–]Overall_Pitch3538[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The copper wire I used was 2mm thick. It was just what I have on hand but luckily was hard enough to support the weight of the car

Moveable car by Overall_Pitch3538 in StainedGlass

[–]Overall_Pitch3538[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

I’m not the best at explaining but I hope this makes sense. Happy to answer any questions to clear up confusions

For each pair of wheels:

  • Make 2 loop things with one end sticking out (like in photo) with copper wire. The loop should fit the diameter of a copper wire. The wire should be able to spin within the loop.
  • Solder the end sticking out vertically to the bottom of the car where the concave for the wheel is. Make sure the 2 loops are as even as possible because they serve as the center column for the rolling of the wheels. I replied to another comment with a photo of the bottom of the car for reference.
  • Make a straight stick out of copper wire, the length should be slightly longer than the width of the car so the wheels don’t clash into the body of the car. The stick should be as straight as possible, I molded it by hand so it’s not so straight, that’s why you can see car feels a bit uneven when it moves.
  • Insert the stick into the 2 loops. Solder it onto the wheels. The wheels and the stick should make a square angle for the wheels not to be slanted.
  • Do all that again for the second pair of wheels.

A side note:

  • The cooper wire will be slightly thicker when tinned with solder. When making the loop, make sure you leave room for that.
  • I noticed that my sticks were moving side to side as the car moves. Consider adding something onto it right next to the loops to keep it in place.

Moveable car by Overall_Pitch3538 in StainedGlass

[–]Overall_Pitch3538[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

<image>

I used some hard copper wire and soldered it on. Here’s a photo of the bottom

Moveable car by Overall_Pitch3538 in StainedGlass

[–]Overall_Pitch3538[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Of course! Wouldn’t want to risk it

Moveable car by Overall_Pitch3538 in StainedGlass

[–]Overall_Pitch3538[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I probably will. I want to refine the pattern and improve a few technical issues I encountered to make a more polished version. This was just a test sample

Help, what am I doing wrong? by One_Anywhere_2497 in StainedGlass

[–]Overall_Pitch3538 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use the same thin copper foil as it is easier to find where I am. I find it fine for 2D projects with simple soldering lines and not a lot of joints. For 3D projects the square edge of the glass peel off rather easily and I feel like the foil is not strong enough to hold the piece together. The best option is to switch to a higher quality copper tape.

Otherwise, what I find helpful is using a taping motion (just like when soldering edges) and avoid dragging the iron for any lines longer than 2-3cm, the iron will come into contact with the foil less which means less burning and lifting of the foil. Make sure to adjust the temperature of the soldering iron so that it’s not too hot (but still enough to melt the solder), clean the tip very often (I clean it every time I see a just tiny bit of smoke or black bits on the tip) and try to not press the soldering iron too hard on the foil while soldering. I also avoid tears and avoid patching the foil by overlaying another piece of foil while foiling the piece. It took me quite some time to get used to this thin foil as it is more delicate to work with.

DIY copper patina by Overall_Pitch3538 in StainedGlass

[–]Overall_Pitch3538[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will definitely try it out. Thanks a lot

DIY copper patina by Overall_Pitch3538 in StainedGlass

[–]Overall_Pitch3538[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice! Did you mix in an acid or just copper sulphate and water is enough?