How to Cut Glass
April 3, 2009 | In: Crafts and Hobbies
Cut Glass
Cutting glass can be done by any adult as long you have the right tool and you follow the proper steps. A steady hand is another requirement to make sure that you cut the glass in a straight way. With these, you are ready to cut glass according to the size you want.
Of course you will first need a glass cutter that’s sharp enough to make your work easy. A glass cutter can either be one made from steel, cobalt, uranium or it can be a diamond point glass cutter. A glass plier may also come in handy especially when it’s time to break the glass. With this tool, you are sure to make a cleaner break. This comes in two types – the running pliers and drop jaw pliers. Another thing that you will need is oil which will help in lubricating the glass cutter and in making a clean and smooth cutline.
First, wash the glass to remove any dirt, dust buildup or other particles that may block the cutter while you’re cutting.
Place the glass on a wide and flat surface such as a drawing board. A good alternative also is to use a glass-cutting mat. This is a thick plastic sheet with lots of hollow square divisions. The role of the hollow squares is to catch the glass dust and splinters while you’re cutting to keep them away from your cutter.
Before cutting, draw the dimensions that you need on the glass using a grease pencil. It would help if you have a T square to ensure you make straight lines. Another option is to tape your pattern to the other side of the glass using a masking tape to make it easy for you to know where you’re cutting.
Next, apply oil to the cutline. You can drop oil on the glass and spread it with your finger, you can use a cotton bud or better yet, dip your cutter in oil.
If you’re using a diamond cutter, hold it the way you hold a pen and grip it firmly. As you’re holding the T square, place the cutter against the edge while applying pressure and draw along the lines you’ve made. Ideally, you should hold the diamond cutter in a slanting position while cutting the glass. And remember not to cut on the same line twice.
When using a regular glass cutter, do the same technique in cutting. Cut along the pattern you’ve drawn using a T square to straighten your lines. Hold the T square firmly as you also apply enough pressure to the cutter to make a clean cut. Gently break the glass along the cut by holding it firmly. So you’ve just cut your glass successfully and without injury.
After cutting, the glass edges will probably be a little rough. But you can smoothen the edges using a whetstone or any coarse stone for that matter. Just be sure to pour a little water first on the stone before rubbing it on the rough edges.
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