cutting glass

[Feivel]

whats the best/easiest way to cut at glass at home. what tools do i need? or suggest a cheap place to get it cut.
thanks
Seb

[bitterman]

You need a glass cutter like


A set of running pliers are very helpful also.



Practice on scrap glass first!!! things do not always go as planned.

You can't cut tempered glass!
You can only cut larger pieces.... for example you can't take 1/2" of something.... most often does not work.
You can only cut upto a certain thickness without certain tools. Thinner glass is easier to cut.


What do you need cut? might be worth taking to a glass shop.

B

[Feivel]

just a couple of small pieces for a 10gal sump. i think i got 3/16 glass. got it for free. i think the tools will run me more than just getting it cut at a shop.

[Kenny P]

If you do try to cut it yourself.......
Use only one pass with the cutter, steady even pressure ( not hard)

[Saltcreep]

just a couple of small pieces for a 10gal sump. i think i got 3/16 glass. got it for free. i think the tools will run me more than just getting it cut at a shop.

The glass cutter in the picture above should be under $10. I've got four or five of them but I've had them a while, so not sure about price. The pliers are good for cleaning up your cut, but if you make your cut correctly, you won't need them. The little slots in the cutter are designed to do the same job but ....

That cutter will also last you a very long time. You can make multiple cuts using the same wheel and you'll notice it has six cutting wheels. I would say, get yourself a glass cutter and have a go at it. You're not talking a lot of glass here, so if you mess it up, it won't cost you much. You may be able to find a glass shop that will make the cuts for you, but I've run into resistance there before. As glass ages it becomes more brittle. The cutter is going to be more comfortable cutting 'fresh' glass from stock because he/she knows how it will cut. With old glass, you never know. I once tried to cut a piece of 1/8" float glass from an old window for another project. I had tons of glass to waste, which was a good thing - I never could get a good cut. On the other hand, I've cut glass up to 1/4' and it's been a 'snap'. Sorry about the pun.

A few things I have found to be important in cutting glass. First cover your firm, true work surface with about 6 sheets of newspaper to act as a bit of a cushion. Always use a straight edge to guide the cutter. The cutter in the pic should be held perpendicular to the glass with the side not shown in the pic against the rule. Start at the top edge of the glass (or just the tiniest bit past the edge), and using firm, even pressure, draw the cutter down to the bottom. Ease up on the pressure just a bit as you finish the cut at the edge of the glass. Never go back over your cut to try again. It's almost a guarantee that you'll end up with broken glass or a bad cut. You will get to know, just by the sound, if you're scoring it right. Slip the ruler under the glass, to the left of the cut, and apply some pressure to the piece of glass on the right of the cut. This part of the technique, you'll develop as you practice. For 3/16" float glass, I would use the palms of my hands and give it a little snap. It should just break off, cleanly and evenly, if you scored it correctly.