How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

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FusedLightStudio
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How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by FusedLightStudio »

I am planning to tack fuse a cast face and some strips of glass onto a background of two sheet layers. My original plan was to fuse wire inclusions between the two background layers at the top edge, to allow hanging. I want to keep the piece transparent so don’t want to use Hang Your Glass.

But now I am concerned whether the wire can bear the total weight (about 10 lbs). How to know for sure?

Here’s the approximate layout:
DDF424EA-5706-4DDA-BD28-B39F548A379B.jpeg
Lisa Schnellinger
Atlanta, GA
Brad Walker
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Re: How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by Brad Walker »

What gauge wire? What material wire?

I would be more concerned about long term compatibility than holding up the two layers.
FusedLightStudio
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Re: How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by FusedLightStudio »

Brad Walker wrote:What gauge wire? What material wire?

I would be more concerned about long term compatibility than holding up the two layers.
High fire 18-gauge stainless steel wire (from Fused Glass Warehouse)

I was not aware there’s a compatibility problem with wire inclusions...

Or do you mean the glass?

What do you recommend?

Thanks so much for the fast response. Really appreciate it.
Lisa Schnellinger
Atlanta, GA
AndyT
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Re: How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by AndyT »

What size is the project? Average weight of glass is around 1.8lbs/sq.ft.
FusedLightStudio
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Re: How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by FusedLightStudio »

AndyT wrote:What size is the project? Average weight of glass is around 1.8lbs/sq.ft.
The exact weight breaks down this way:
The background is about 12x18, two layers, so 5.4 lbs
The mask is 2.5 pounds
The strands are less than half a pound

I was rounding up to 10 pounds.
Lisa Schnellinger
Atlanta, GA
Brad Walker
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Re: How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by Brad Walker »

FusedLightStudio wrote:I was not aware there’s a compatibility problem with wire inclusions...
Many of the wire and glass pieces made in the 1970's are now starting to crack.

And I've seen fused wire pieces crack much more quickly than that when the wire is thicker. The COE for most metals is 150 or higher.

So it's not my favorite way to hang. Instead, get some square bend hooks (I buy mine at the hardware store, but you can find them at lots of places) and screw them into the wall behind the piece. Four hooks, two at top and two at bottom. They're rated for the weight they can handle, 10 lbs total is well within their capability. The hooks can be screwed directly into sheetrock or whatever wall surface you have. And they cost less than $10 for a pack.
FusedLightStudio
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Re: How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by FusedLightStudio »

Brad Walker wrote: Many of the wire and glass pieces made in the 1970's are now starting to crack.
And I've seen fused wire pieces crack much more quickly than that when the wire is thicker. The COE for most metals is 150 or higher.
Wow, that’s very good to know! Wish I could remember where I read about using wire inclusions... which didn’t include this warning.

Thanks so much for the caution, Brad. And I think your hanging suggestion will work very well for this piece. Much appreciated!
Lisa Schnellinger
Atlanta, GA
Kevin Midgley
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Re: How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by Kevin Midgley »

I've had no problems with the series of heavy solid fused crushed glass masks I made in 1992 with copper wire embedded in the back for wall hanging. The best hanger was 12 gauge copper wire bent in a U and pushed deeply under the crush prior to melting. Your experience may vary.
FusedLightStudio
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Re: How much weight can wire inclusions bear?

Post by FusedLightStudio »

Kevin Midgley wrote:I've had no problems with the series of heavy solid fused crushed glass masks I made in 1992 with copper wire embedded in the back for wall hanging. The best hanger was 12 gauge copper wire bent in a U and pushed deeply under the crush prior to melting. Your experience may vary.
Interesting - good to know. Thanks, Kevin.
Lisa Schnellinger
Atlanta, GA
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