The Art of Glass Cutting

Glass Cutting is a skillful craft that finds use in many innovative projects and industries. From custom furniture to stained glass windows, cutting glass enables designers to create functional and decorative elements for their products and services. The art of glass cutting is also a crucial step in the restoration and conservation of historic stained glass windows, and for creating innovative new glass installations that push the boundaries of artistic glass design.

Glass cutting is the process of fracturing or weakening glass with a sharp blade or other tool. Using a cutter, the blade is rolled across the surface of the glass to produce a fine line or “fissure” which allows the glass to be split with a minimum of force. The glass may be scored with pressure as light as 5 or 6 pounds, upon a 120 to 140 degree wheel on thin glass; up to 20+ pounds, upon a 154 to 160 degree wheel on thick glass.

After the glass is scored, a set of running pliers may be applied parallel to the score line. This method of breaking the glass requires a high level of precision and coordination, but it can be an effective way to achieve the desired cuts when the scoring process cannot be done by hand.

Before beginning a cut, the glass should be cleaned thoroughly with soapy water or acetone to remove any oil and dirt that could cause problems when breaking the glass. It is important that the surface of the glass be completely free of any impurities or blemishes, especially along the scored lines where the break will occur.

Next, the cutting surface of the cutter should be lubricated with an appropriate cutting oil. Most cutters have an oil tank in the handle, but for more basic models it is often enough to apply a small amount of the desired oil directly on the cutting surface. Alternatively, the cutter can be dipped into the oil to coat the entire cutting surface.

Once the cutting surface of the cutter has been lubricated, it is time to begin the actual cutting. Depending on the size of the project and the skill of the designer, this can be accomplished by running the cutter over the scored glass, following the line that was drawn or traced with a pencil on the underlying surface. The cutter should be rolled firmly over the glass with a consistent pressure that is not too heavy or too light. The sound of a clean, crisp scratch against the glass is often a good indicator that the right amount of pressure is being used.

Once the project is complete, the edges of the cut glass should be sanded to ensure smooth and safe surfaces. This is especially important if the edges are exposed, such as in custom windows or glass tables. Alternatively, the edge of the glass can be gently nibbled away with grozing pliers (a type of cutting plier) to create a more precise and finished appearance.

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