Maximum size of panel

[twanda]

In doing a very tall panel (more than 6 feet)  in lead, what is the maximum  size recommended before the panel should be divided into 2 pieces.  Also would welcome any advice on reinforcing. I am planning to use rebar and  possibly no daze glaze for further stability.

[mmezalick]

As a general rule there is no absolute rule.
An old guideline is that the panel should be no more than 12 sq. ft. (+ -).
Design and leading styles and plating if any, play heavily into the stability of the product.
If the panels are just stacked on top of one another, this can also cause problems. Dividing and supporting the panels with a T-bar, to separate the panels, reduces the overall stress placed on the bottom panel.
Support bars, again, as a guideline are suggested to be every 12?.
To be really effective, the support must be embedded into the surrounding frame, otherwise you would just be adding more weight to the window.
Brass fins on the ?exterior? side of the going in the opposite direction of the ?normal? support bars adds to the panels structure.
All of this is stilled based on the design and size of the panel. Multiple horizontal lines are dangerous in any panel. A diamond designed background is also prone to cause problems.
Michael

PS. You should not count on the No-Days glaze for structural support.

[griffith]

I have heard this question 1000 times, but the answer can be as varied as the size and proportions of the panel. Just saying it is over 6' tall is useless information without knowing the width. The answer will differ considerably depending if it is 6" wide or 3' wide, or somewhere in between.

Perhaps you should consider buying the reprint of Chapter 5 of the SGAA Reference and Technical Manual that deals with structure and reinforcement (and no, I don't work for the SGAA, but the chapter is complete and informative).

Elden