Pro Tip: Use cutting oil sparingly when copper foiling
is planned. Excessive oil prevents glue from sticking on glass.
Try dipping tip of cutter in diluted cutting oil (dilute with
paint thinners or kerosene) periodically when cutting. Using
a cotton ball or sponge in your diluted cutting oil container,
touch the cutting wheel to the absorbing material for a controlled
amount of oil. Oil fed cutters need a thicker consistency oil
to prevent excessive bleeding when scoring. The resulting excessive
oil track on the scored glass hinders foiling performance as
well as premature deterioration of templates. Diluted or thinned
oil used sparingly avoids these problems. Oil fed cutters work
just as well using the described dipping technique.
Pro Tip: Never relax your respect for the dangers of
glass. Keep constantly aware of potential hazardous situations.
Pro Tip: Use a cutting square for straight cuts, never
rely on a corked back rule. The rule is designed for measuring.
The cork backing keeps it from sliding on and scratching glass
but was never intended to be used as a cutting edge.
Myth: Tapping the underside of a score in rythym helps
break the glass. Fact: Unless you do a rain dance to help
make a better solder joint don't practice this technique. Tapping
with the ball end should be considered as a last attempt if all
else fails. Tapping scored glass creates spider flaws around
the score which may result in immediate undesired breakage. Even
a successful break has increased chances of undesired breaking
well after the project is completed.
Trick: Practice now and then with a traditional cutter
to gain confidence and build scoring skills in the pull method.
Place the cutter between the middle and ring fingers and controlling
the tabbed areas of the cutter with your forefinger and thumb
while wrapping your middle finger around the shank of the cutter.
Maximum control and ease of inside and outside cuts is achieved
this way. The drawback is this technique takes years to master
but the benefits are unmatched. Prior to the early 1980's, grinders
haven't been used primarily for stained glass so accuracy was
desired on the initial score and final piece. Speed is a welcomed
byproduct of cutting this way and will be noticed greatly if
learned. Control of the cutter during template cutting is absolute
to less than 1/64 at all times and "dead on" most of
the time. Video of this technique coming soon.
Safety Do's and Dont's
- Always keep glass flat or horizontal to work surface unless
moving to and from storage.
Never attempt to break glass in a vertical position!
- Store unused sheets away from work places and never leave
leaning on side of work bench.
- Do not leave unattended glass hanging off edge of table.
Good practice is to always push edge of glass past edge of table
after each cut.
- Wear eye protection at all times and no open toed shoes.