An early stained glass project.
One of the things that I really love in the cooler-but-still-warm weather is to sleep with the windows open. But since I live in a subdivision with neighbors directly across from me, having the curtains open presents a problem- they really don't want a clear view of what goes on in my bedroom, I'm sure.

So I decided to construct a set of privacy screens.

Here is the very start of it- a pile of brass cut to length and the MAPP gas/oxygen torch set I had to work with. (I've since gone to oxy-acetylene. Booya.)

This is one of the frames.

I then got a hoop bender and used it to make curved shapes out of thinner brass, and attached that too with silver solder (higher melting temperature than lead solder, so I didn't have to worry about melting things later). The result looks a bit like ribbon candy.

Next I started cutting out a large number of leaf shapes from colored glass, brown and red and green and yellow. I picked up a few leaves from the yard to use for templates, then cut them out with a glass bandsaw. I foiled the edges, put on a coat of solder, and did the same to slices of agate. Then came time for assembly. A closer look here.

And the final result? Not too bad, if I say so myself. I made one for each window. Now I can get the air through without having to worry about scarring the neighborhood children for life.
( The Resident Loon Not a demographic. Do not measure., Mon 21 Nov 2011, 19:06, 15 replies)

Nice work dude ;)
Is that a wee oxy-butane or propane kit?
Got one a bit like it late last year, well handy for small in-situ lead repairs where braizing is ok and the oxy-acetylene is too cumbersome. I've got 5 meter hoses on the oxy-acetylene kit but that's generally not long enough to reach a chimney apron, any longer than that and the hoses just get unmanageable! And I have learned that carrying those big cylinders up on to a roof is just daft!
( blaireau69 , the Cumbrian Travis Bickle., Mon 21 Nov 2011, 19:17, closed)

Near as I can tell, MAPP gas is a wimpy version of acetylene. The little torch set I have in that pic is barely enough to do brazing, and the cylinders don't go very long.

The oxy-acetylene set I have is small, maybe 30 pounds or so, easy to move and carry around in a plastic case. I have a larger acetylene set- the tanks are about two feet tall by six inches wide- but the little set is handier. I even have a cutting torch for it!
( The Resident Loon Not a demographic. Do not measure., Mon 21 Nov 2011, 19:24, closed)

Gas axing FTW!
;)
( blaireau69 , the Cumbrian Travis Bickle., Mon 21 Nov 2011, 21:14, closed)

I've only used the cutting torch once
and have since found out that I wasn't really doing it quire right. I intend to get hold of some scrap iron and practice a bit.

I've also recently obtained a small portable forge, about three feet across on pipe legs with a hand cranked blower. Next thing will be to get some coal and an anvil and see what I can bash out of scrap iron!
( The Resident Loon Not a demographic. Do not measure., Mon 21 Nov 2011, 22:01, closed)

Gas axing indeed.
If you're cutting in from an edge, make sure the cutting stream is slightly off the workpiece and angled down and away when you trigger it, or you'll get white hot iron in your socks/eyes/fly.

If you're cutting round pipe, chisel a notch to start on and let the hole blow clear before you cut in.

Thick iron and cast pieces: start at the bottom and let the stream blow the melt clear at 60 degrees. Run the mixture slightly rich, or it'll spark like a bastard as old cast iron has lot of graphite in it.

HTH.
(all my scars face forward possesses 2.5% of a hyperalloy combat chassis, Tue 22 Nov 2011, 23:51, closed)

Lol drunk on a roof with an oxy-acetylene set !! Was it the fire brigade who got you down that time Blaireau?

( Light In Chains maker of the ikea sofa, Mon 21 Nov 2011, 19:54, closed)

Yawn.

( blaireau69 , the Cumbrian Travis Bickle., Mon 21 Nov 2011, 21:15, closed)

( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Mon 21 Nov 2011, 23:49, closed)

I hate to be the one to point it out, but...
There's some quite big holes in it that you can still see through.
(anonymousreality tickled your fancy on, Mon 21 Nov 2011, 20:37, closed)

Yeah, it's not absolute
but it's enough. Someone really watching could probably see a fair bit, but to a casual glance it's sufficient. It's not like we're in the habit of standing naked in front of the windows.

Still, it wouldn't surprise me if my creepy neighbor had spied a few females through my window over the years...
( The Resident Loon Not a demographic. Do not measure., Mon 21 Nov 2011, 21:58, closed)

Do you have trouble retaining domestic staff?

( 4Q just lurking, Mon 21 Nov 2011, 23:52, closed)

Yes, he's actually doing us a favour.
In the next decade or so, we can enjoy tales of (a) child-scarring experiences of his neighbour's kids; and/or (b) tales of guilt-inducing perversions... OF his neighbour's kids peeking in.

Plantation shutters, anyone?
( kila is reading clocks upside-down as usual, Tue 22 Nov 2011, 2:49, closed)

hoop bender lol

(dozers, do fuck off ur a nob m8, Mon 21 Nov 2011, 23:00, closed)

gay

( Dr. Shambolic je suis charlie, Tue 22 Nov 2011, 10:01, closed)

You are?
Congrats on coming out! When can we expect your marriage announcement?
( The Resident Loon Not a demographic. Do not measure., Tue 22 Nov 2011, 23:27, closed)