We have all been at that point where we need a piece of glass. Usually, if you have kids, as a result of accidental breakage, but often it can be part of a new project or endeavor.
Irrespective of the reasons glass cutting can be a daunting task, especially when we know just how sharp broken glass can be.
In this guide, we will look at what you need, how to proceed, and tips for ways to avoid accidents and costly breakages.
Safety precautions
Get some strong work gloves that are suitable for glass cutting and some safety goggles. Due to the fragility and possibility of glass splintering, you should always have these as a bare minimum, also wearing heavy clothing like heavy, long-sleeved shirts and jeans would also be advised
In the area where you wish to make cuts, clean the glass surface. Any dirt or silica on the glass has the potential to diminish your result. Wipe off both sides of the pane with a glass cleaner or solvent. By dabbing a touch of lubricating cutting oil on the tip of the cutter’s wheel, you can ensure that it is clean as well.
Working on rugs or other carpeting is not advised due to the potential of glass fragments strewn across the floor if the glass breaks.
Keep dogs and youngsters away from your workstation and products for their own safety.
Preparation
Create a workspace for yourself. A broad flat surface is required, preferably one that is slightly soft and will not damage your glass. Work in an easy-to-clean environment.
A solid wood, metal, or similarly durable work table, padded with a few sheets of parchment paper, cardboard, or fabric, and leveled to remove imperfections, is ideal.
Equipment list
This list is quite short and sweet:
Glasscutter. The most common types are a pen-style or a pistol grip style and both styles come with and without oil reservoirs to suit your preferences
Both have oil compartments fitted with a valve at the cutting head that will open up as you push down the cutter to the glass and lets out a steady flow of oil as you cut.
Oil/lubricant. Many glass shops normally have a thin clear oil specially made for cutting glass but you can find glass cutting oil on Amazon or other web stores, you only need a little. Any oil or lubricant will do at a pinch but be careful of putting thicker oils into the reservoirs as they can clog the cutters.
Measuring tape. Glass is unforgiving like wood so you can’t just do a ‘near enough’ style cut and expect it to fit, nor can you sand it easily if you cut the glass too big. Usually, we say measure twice and cut once but with glass measure three times
Straight edge or ruler. For the best results use something dedicated like a steel ruler if you can find one that is the right size. If you can’t cut straight if your life depended on it then using a guide will get you the best results. Bear in mind that glass cutters don’t have guides like jigsaws so you cannot use anything too thick
Method
Using a pencil-like grip, dip the cutter into the oil. With an oiled cutter, the score line is more even and precise. Make sure the wheel is aligned to cut the glass the way you want it to.
Make sure you have a clean edge. A yardstick or a regular desk ruler can be used to measure distances. A thick enough profile is needed so that the wheel on the cutter does not interfere with it.
Measure and indicate the area where you intend to shoot. The score must extend all the way around the glass. You can use a marker to write on the glass (ideally with a straight edge, if you are cutting a straight line). Make your imprint on paper first, then set the glass on top.
You don’t want the cut to be too lengthy. Breaking scores longer than 20-24 inches are more likely to fail.
Keep six inches of glass on each side while making your markings, so you may shatter the glass as necessary. Special equipment like pliers or a light hammer may be needed to break off chunks of glass that you can’t grip.
Carbide wheels are used to roll around a glass surface when you apply pressure. Find a silky sound that rips like a dream. If your cutter makes a gritty sound, it signifies that you’re either pushing too hard or that you’ve neglected to lubricate it. The better your score, the less noise you create.
When you press too hard, your cut gets “hot,” which means it snaps and pops. This is a typical error.
You’re hoping for a consistent grade. In order for the glass to break the way you want it to, you must apply the right amount of pressure to the right place at the right time. Imperfections in your score might lead your cut to be out of alignment.
Cut from one side to the other with a smooth motion of the blades. In the event that you miss a position, do not recut back and forth across the line. A single score line is all that is needed.
Check your score. You’re looking for a score that doesn’t pop and is hardly noticeable if you were to wipe the oil off. It should just seem like a little scratch. Please make sure the line is entirely uninterrupted by any obstructions or it will not break evenly.
After you have made the cut line. You can then snap the glass. Do this by placing a long thin cylindrical item under the score line, a long wooden dowel is ideal but if no then a carefully placed broom handle will suffice but you may need someone to help you to keep it steady if you are working on a small table.
The sharp edge can be removed with emery paper or a polishing stone. The vertical edge will meet the horizontal surfaces at this point. If you’re going to be cutting yourself on a piece of glass, polishing the edges will make it less likely to shatter.
Cutting glass does not have to be scary or dangerous, if you work slowly, safely, and take all the necessary precautions it can save you money and time but can also be fulfilling as you fix your own issues without calling an expensive tradesman instead.