bullseye glass cutting tips

The glass is now stressed at that point, and it will take very little external pressure to cause it to separate along the score line. This is similar to you running your hand through water the trough created by your hand rapidly fills in.

Learn how to set up your drilling station and more in this lesson. Sign up for "Crash Course in Glass Cutting," a one-hour glass cutting class at a Bullseye Resource Center near you. %PDF-1.7 % 0000205952 00000 n 0000057622 00000 n I hope this article has helped the beginners, and maybe provided an interesting fact or two for the experts. Pressure on both sides of the glass will cause it to crack on either side of the cord.

If you turn the glass over on a soft surface (like a carpet or thick newspaper) so that the score line is in contact with that surface, and press firmly on the score line on the unscored side of the glass, you can see this crack travelling along the score line.

Think about it: better glass cutting skills mean fewer mistakes and less wasted glass. 0000022067 00000 n As the width of the strip you want to cut approaches the thickness of the glass, getting a clean break becomes harder. But, at some point, if you continue to apply force - it will break. I am trying to find out whether I need both a for example a tourus 3 ring saw and a ex.

Bullseye has the largest and most consistent range of fusing glass available, this is why we use Bullseye Glass in our studio and stock it on our website. 0000240788 00000 n 0000021810 00000 n Very often we are cutting right angles to make squares or rectangles. 0000006892 00000 n Some cutters are meant more for cutting straight lines, others for curves, and they are usually labeled as to their intended purpose. 0000004108 00000 n Using a right angle tool to cut the glass. There is a distinctive and satisfying zzzzzst sound that the cutter makes as it scores the glass that you will learn to appreciate with time. When that happens; there are a few things you can try. Cork-backed rulers, or cork tape is available at many stained glass supply stores. With proper cutting tools and techniques, even beginners can learn how to produce clean, accurate glass shapes. 0000003840 00000 n When you score a sheet of glass you start the score line at one end of the sheet and finish at the other. Being able to successfully cut glass is obviously a prerequisite to successful kilnformed glasswork.Perhaps it is not the most exotic topic, but understanding the basic tools and techniques and developing the necessary skills are fundamental to success. You don't want to see a big line of crunched glass when you score.

0000004376 00000 n 0000009744 00000 n There are several simple tools for cutting glass. I will cover selecting a glass cutter later on this article, but for now we will assume we are using a wheeled cutter with a carbide wheel, and that we run the wheel along the glass to create a score line. Introduction There are times, when a particular sheet of glass just doesnt want to behave the way you expect. 0000003706 00000 n When using both of these markers, you will want to apply Mark's Stay item number 50481, in order to keep the marker from washing off while grinding. fbc Your glass cutting skill level will not only affect the quality of work you produce, but also how much money you spend.

0000091275 00000 n They are all quite simple to use. Vwg@e7Lq;6v11AbXQbjJ.QZBm+3_V7e#4AuheC^1_0AX7B-*R0;t. If as you are scoring the glass - it just doesnt seem like you did it right flip the glass over and try the other side. 0000061272 00000 n Ready to sharpen your skills? If you've never cut glass before, it's a good idea to take a class and learn the fundamentals. Most of these 12 Ways To Improve Your Cutting come from Rudi Gritsch of the Glasfachschule in Kramsach, Austria. However in situations where you are cutting a complex curve or having trouble getting the glass to break easily, propagating the score first may be helpful. However, if you score the glass first, it will break along the score line with considerably less force than was needed to break an unscored piece of glass. 0000014126 00000 n Bullseye has the largest and most consistent range of fusing glass available, this is why we use Bullseye Glass in our studio and stock it on our website. Once this crack has been propagated from one edge of the glass to the other, the glass is probably in two pieces already. 0000048096 00000 n Interestingly, as opposed to most things that we cut in our lives, the location of the score line with respect to the edges makes a difference. 0000141359 00000 n These can be extremely sharp and should be ground off immediately or you risk cutting yourself. Please email to [emailprotected] Thank you. Improve Your Glass Cutting PDFSafety in the Kiln-glass Studio PDF, Toyo Self-Oiling Cutter (7010)Bohle Silberschnitt Self-Oiling Cutter (7155)Bohle Silberschnitt Cutting Fluid (7157) (7136)Running Pliers (7008)Breaking/Grozing Pliers (7006)Browse more glass cutting tools in the Bullseye Online Store, Tool Demo: Bohle Silberschnitt Repetitive Small Circle Cutter, Tool Demo: Bohle Silberschnitt Self-Oiling Cutter, Tool Demo: Bohle Silberschnitt Studio Circle Cutter, Recommended Annealing Cycle for Bullseye Glass, BECon 2013: Judy Tuwaletstiwa & Erik Whittemore, Bohle Silberschnitt Self-Oiling Cutter (7155), Bohle Silberschnitt Cutting Fluid (7157) (7136), Browse more glass cutting tools in the Bullseye Online Store, Bullseye Glass is Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, USA. Wheels from Toyo are readily available and are high quality. Running Pliers (7008) 0000210485 00000 n These are not the most expensive tools you will have in your shop, so it is worth getting a good quality cutter. 0000241998 00000 n In this lesson, we'll make a plate that illustrates one way to harness the unique qualities of rolled edges. An email has been sent with instruction for changing your password. Use your hands to break the glass: grasp the glass on either side of the score line, thumbs on top and curled fingers underneath, and applying force down and out with your thumbs, and up with your curled fingers. A simple right angle tool is very helpful with this, and several are available with a ridge to allow the tool to rest along one side of the glass. When cutting narrow strips, it is easier to get clean breaks if you keep cutting the width of the strip in half, rather than trying to cut small strips off a large sheet. 0000143951 00000 n If you are applying running pliers at the finish end and it is not working, try the start end instead. 0000147188 00000 n You can easily tell a person how to run a score line and break a piece of glass along a fissure, but it's a skill that takes practice. Apply downward pressure to open up the break along the score line. Never hold glass by the cut edge but rather by holding the flat surfaces.

0000241495 00000 n Sometimes the glass just will not break as you expect. 0000091312 00000 n

How to Cut Glass Effectively and Accurately Always wear shoes with covered toes when working with glass. 8 85 Do I just grind the shapes rather than trying to cut them? Not everything always works out the way you want. I am trying to reduce cost. 0000004644 00000 n

0000093904 00000 n It doesnt matter if you run the cutter toward yourself, or away. In this project-based lesson, you'll learn how to intercut sheet glass rings and circles while making a bowl with Opaline, Clear, and Pine Green glass. You should always use eye protection when dealing with glass. G-Manu, Cut I, Glass Cutting SystemBohle Silberschnitt Self-Oiling CutterBohle Running PliersBrowse more glass cutting tools at the Bullseye Online Store, Bohle Silberschnitt Self-Oiling Cutter (7155), Bohle Silberschnitt Studio Circle Cutter (7161), Browse more glass cutting tools at the Bullseye Online Store, Bullseye Glass is Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, USA. A cord, string, or monofilament can be stretched across a flat surface, and the score line can be positioned over the cord. I would like the plans to the light box. In our video lesson below, we will teach you how to properly score a piece of glass and how to break the score. Try another sheet until you regain your technique.

For more information, check out our page on which glass is best for fusing.

A score line that has been partially "propagated" note the reflective surfaces within the cut on the right side. If you are using glass with a rolled edge, it is best to cut that edge off first using a right angle tool to create a perfect 90 degree angle on the sheet (square off the sheet). Try a different method of breaking the glass. 0000002301 00000 n 0000010392 00000 n Whatever maneuver you choose, if you feel uncomfortable that you are going to expose your hands to an unprotected sharp edge in an uncontrolled fashion find another way to accomplish the break. Bullseye Glass is tested compatibleCoE90.

Bullseye Glass is Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, USA. Use a running pliers applied parallel to the score line. To see our range of fusing glass, visit theBullseye SheetGlass section of our website. Stained glass and fusing project. Well also show you how to cut circles in glass. Please enter your email and last name below. Improve Your Glass Cutting PDF This just may not be your day for cutting glass. 0000003576 00000 n We then break the glass at that score line. What we want to accomplish when we cut glass is to control how, when, and where the glass breaks. 0000022491 00000 n 0000004779 00000 n If you are applying pressure and the glass is not breaking as you expect stop. Wearing protective gloves is a good idea when doing this. There are various kinds of glass cutters, but almost all have a carbide wheel in some sort of cutting head, attached to a handle. 0000005726 00000 n 0000004510 00000 n Make sure that your cutter wheel is perpendicular to the glass in all directions. With proper cutting tools and techniques, you can learn how to produce clean, accurate glass shapes. Use two pairs of breaking pliers to break the glass, one on each side of the score line, with the jaws parallel to one another and parallel to the score line. Be sure to position your thumb and fingers so that they will not be cut when the glass separates. Rudi is former Director of Research at Bullseye Glass Co. and a world-class glass cutter. are both necessary? The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Thicker glass, highly textured glass, or window glass (float glass) may require other techniques that are slightly different from those needed to cut the art glass we kilnformers generally use. I find that most cuts occur when when reaching into the glass rack or scrap bin trying to remove a particular piece, or putting sheets of glass into the racks. We'll also cover some possible variations. Put cork backing on your straightedge tool to prevent slippage. 0000006327 00000 n Breaking the Glass 0000241376 00000 n 20x20. I used a kiln wash on the mold, coating 5 times. afs grinder glastar g8 aqua flow system star The most important aspect of this next step is safety. fusing Do you have projects that teach about kilnforming? I have always used a lubricant in my cutters, but Ive heard others vehemently recommend cutting dry and others who brush a liquid over their score line after scoring. 0000035569 00000 n 0000047737 00000 n For the white glass, I suggest our black marker item number 5177. If you have a triangular scrap with a very sharp point, you should grind or break that point off or you risk stabbing yourself. 0000242641 00000 n

It is easiest to cut the glass on the smoothest side because the cutter head will have equal contact with the surface of the glass but it can be scored on either side. Mark where you are going to cut with a Sharpie type marker, and making sure your cutting wheel is right on the mark. Download the 12 Ways to Improve Your Cutting Studio Tip in PDF format. These are designed to apply upward pressure on the score line, and downward pressure on the adjacent glass. The system is highly efficient.

If you are following a pattern line on the glass it is usually better to score away from yourself so you can see the line and follow it precisely. This is not the case when cutting glass and there are a few interesting facts: The general concept of breaking along the score line is to apply upward pressure underneath the score, and downward pressure on the rest of the glass. Select from the links below for general information about our glass products and studio supplies: Sign up for inspiration, new products, discounts and more.

Glass does this, but very, very slowly as demonstrated by photomicrographs taken of a score line over a period of time. If you take a piece of glass and try to break it without first scoring it, it will seem quite strong and will resist breaking. 0000041753 00000 n After scoring the glass the next step is to break it along the score line. When we cut glass we want a squared off edge but often there is an area where the glass breaks in a sharp bevel, much like the edge of a razor blade. 0000003974 00000 n The molecules do not line up in precise arrays, but instead are randomly situated with respect to one anotherlike a liquid. 0000041090 00000 n You can purchase a splinter removal kit with very fine tweezers that are excellent for removing deeply embedded splinters. Here are a few tips that may help: Conclusion 0000067001 00000 n In this video, Bullseye's Ted Sawyer demonstrates the finer points of the Bohle Silberschnitt Studio Circle Cutter. Your instructor should show you the best tools and techniques to use and you'll get a chance to get a feel for it before investing in glass and equipment of your own.

0000014239 00000 n fbc SCORE newsletter's recent free pattern was a Monarch butterfly on a hydrangea. instructables fusing bullseye 0000241253 00000 n

0000005456 00000 n The shape of the cutter handle is more of a personal preference. They say a circle is a timeless symbol for eternity. Thanks for your help. For perfectly straight lines, running the cutter along a straight edged ruler or guide is necessary.

My white markers wash off with water. 0000002424 00000 n We also have a free Glass Cutting video lesson. The reason for the lubricant is not only to lubricate the wheel, but to get into the score line to facilitate the subsequent break. Breaking/Grozing Pliers (7006) This only works if the size of the glass being cut allows the pliers to almost touch each other. The glass should be clean before scoring. 0000242273 00000 n 0000000016 00000 n Do NOT go over a score line again on the same side of the glass. Bohle Silberschnitt Self-Oiling Cutter (7155)

0000005319 00000 n Video lesson: Glass CuttingFAQ: How can I learn to cut glass? You may find that the type of cutter you use and the length of the score line changes your mind about what is comfortable in a particular situation. Terms & Conditions | Security, Privacy & Cookies | Modern Slavery Statement. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. A hard flat surface will need to be swept or vacuumed frequently to prevent glass chips from creating an uneven surface under your glass which can cause unwanted breakage and scratches. Unfortunately, different brands and different colors of glass will behave differently. This is something where practice helps. You will not improve the score, and may damage your cutter. I think that you have to try a variety of ways and decide which works best for you. Simply turn them on, lay your pattern on top and trace the pattern onto your glass right on top of the light box. Tools for Scoring the Glass It is easier to get a clean break far from the edge of the glass than close to the edge. This is a skill you can improve! 0000006927 00000 n For a detailed discussion on cutting circles and rims, check out this tutorial by Patty Gray. Knowing how to drill small holes in glass opens up many design options for kilnformed works. It's as easy as it looks! Applying too much or too little pressure will adversely affect the ability of the glass to break cleanly and accurately. If you get a small glass splinter, try applying a piece of adhesive tape over the splinter and then removing the tape, with hopes that it brings the splinter with it. 0000011009 00000 n 0000035313 00000 n Browse more glass cutting tools in the Bullseye Online Store. You will have no control over where it breaks, exactly when it breaks, what the shape of the break will be, or how many pieces it will break into. Thank you. Make sure you are keeping even pressure on the cutting wheel at both the beginning and the end of your score.

The kind of running pliers I use most often, note the curve to the tips and the rubber covering. 0000242134 00000 n Bullseye not only manufactures glass but also carries out research and education in the Bullseye Resource Centre. @mosaicsnovice we offer three light boxes. 0000207248 00000 n 0000204656 00000 n Here are a few ways you can break the glass: Troubleshooting 0000036113 00000 n @Elybelly For the black glass, I suggest our silver marker, item number 5171S. 0000241862 00000 n I personally prefer the Toyo Thomas Grip T shaped cutter, but I keep all three at my table, and during prolonged periods of cutting, I switch from one to another to prevent repetitive stress injury. 0000005861 00000 n Straight edges and right angle tools for guides. 0000092608 00000 n Glass has been described as a rigid liquid or an amorphous solid which sounds very oxymoronic.

0000014015 00000 n 0000004242 00000 n Interestingly, a score line, if left alone long enough, will begin to repair itself. What should I know about studio safety?How do I learn how to kilncast glass?Do you have projects that teach about kilnforming? Could someone advise me on the best height to build a table for cutting glass on? Glass cutting is a fundamental skill any kilnformer needs to be able to master. Would you please send the instructions? In the free Bullseye Videos lesson, Glass Cutting, we will teach you how to properly score a piece of glass and how to break the score. p*>e h%(*!Xg Na.g_sqqEUu{0Kq#t;^@ WRTPd'[x3x{iys?6j[ ~x4Jx[Y M%^O-nizK ~BX Learn about the characteristics of Cascade sheet glass, methods for cutting narrow strips, and how to make a plate with a chevron design. I use Bullseye glass, and it is has become obvious to me that the harder opal glasses (white, or French Vanilla) require more pressure than softer glasses (black, or transparent). Others prefer using a tabletop covered with carpeting. In this lesson you will learn tips for cutting and composing with glass strips, as well as some special effects you can achieve with on-edge construction. I cant say I have any data to support one side or the other.

This article assumes one is using a basic rotary-wheel glass cutter, because for 1/8 glass that is usually all that is necessary. In addition to the method mentioned above, gently using running pliers, or tapping the unscored side of the glass directly under and along the score line may work as well. 25% Off 30 Exclusive Glass Packs Ends Today, Curves are OK, but never try to cut angles, Use the side of your hand for a second point of contact. 0000010829 00000 n 0000047480 00000 n by Steve Immerman, First published in Glass Craftsman, Winter 2011. You also have to pay attention to what is going to happen to the two pieces of glass after they separate so they dont fall and shatter or cut you. Cutter handles come with pencil shapes, T shapes, or pistol grip configurations. The Theory Behind It

At very high temperatures glass does behave like a liquid, but at room temperature, it behaves like a solid.

Watch how to cut Bullseye Glass Ribbons.

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bullseye glass cutting tips