Keri Anne Posted July 29, 2006 Report Share Posted July 29, 2006 I was just wondering if those of you with experience would be able to put a few tips here for ‘virgin’ glasscutters. I keep seeing threads about fixing and making tanks which are full of useful advice and interesting debates about silicone etc. but nobody ever seems to talk about how to actually cut the glass. As a ‘virgin’ glasscutter I would greatly appreciate it for future reference. Cheers, KA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quack Posted July 29, 2006 Report Share Posted July 29, 2006 when you run the cutter over the glass, only do it once and make sure you use a nice firm pressure to make a good scratch on the glass. make sure its got oil in it(the cutter) once you have scratched it brake the glass straight away dont leave it then come back later and do it! once you have used the cutter, tap the underside of the scratch at one of the ends, with the end of the cutter to get the break started. then flex the glass along and you will see it seperating. if you cutting a long peice then clamping the straight edge to the glass helps too so you dont have to hold the ruler and cut the glass at the same time. hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted July 29, 2006 Report Share Posted July 29, 2006 Have to agree with quack. When you tap the glass (if you do) don't use the wheel as it gets damaged. Also make sure the glass is clean or you will damage the wheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TM Posted July 29, 2006 Report Share Posted July 29, 2006 No need to tap the glass as this can cause (to the untrained) to run off. just scribe put a wooden pencil in the centre of the scribe. (on the underside of the panel) then push down with even pressure on both sides untill it breaks. you could also go down to your local glass shop and ask them to show you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krissie Posted July 29, 2006 Report Share Posted July 29, 2006 lots of practise on spare sheets of glass too, before you try for the 'big one'... ask a glazier for some off cuts to practise on... Good wheel is also very important, the better the wheel, the easier it is to get a good clean cut. ( IMO ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keri Anne Posted July 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2006 Okay so what is a good glass cutter and where do you get it from? The ones at Mitre 10 don't have oil in them. <> Can you just put oil on the glass and what sort of oil are we talking here? Are we talking like the oil that goes in cars or like the oil that you cook with? What is the best way to clean the glass? How do you get a nice edge once you've cut it? See, :roll: I really don't know much on this topic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becc4 Posted July 30, 2006 Report Share Posted July 30, 2006 keep looking for one that has an oil compartment definately much better and they will last longer. See a glazier or arts n craft suppliers, heck look on trademe there might be something there. Smooth edge - I have a friend with a glass grinder so I do it there. Again see the local glazier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quack Posted July 30, 2006 Report Share Posted July 30, 2006 yes you could put some oil just along were your cuting itll help. at work (aluminium joiner) we just use air tool oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted July 30, 2006 Report Share Posted July 30, 2006 I have a cutter with the oil stored in the handle, when pressure is applied the oil flows thru a valve onto the blade. I use half and half engine oil and kerosene. The blade is protected when not in use by a small length of garden hose pushed over the cuuter head. The edges are removed with a whetstone commonly called a spit-stone, a carborundum disc about 75mm across and 15 mm thru. Water is run on this and the glass as it is rubbed up and down the edge to have the sharp edge removed.To clean the glass, water and an aquarium scrub, followed by a hose down and leave standing up to airdry. Do not store glass face to face, touching, when wet, in fact, store it with sheets of newspaper between, otherwise you may get what looks like an oil stain as you'd see if you put a drop on the surface of water, this imbeds into the glass and makes it useless foe a viewing pane. Paint can be removed from the faces with either a razor blade or as I do it, with an off cut of glass. Remember, the glass don't feel a thing as it slices thru your flesh, so take care and be prepared for the enevitable cuts you'll get; a flannel a bowl of water, cotton wool and some sticky plasters, and a darling wife.(or husband), you may not need the above, but better than trapsing a bleeding appendage thru the house to the med upboard. As some one has said, practice practice practice. Good luck, and you'll really get a sense of acheivement when you make your first, own tank. It'll be rough, but with experience you will improve.. You have to start somewhere. Alan 104 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keri Anne Posted July 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2006 Actually looking at putting dividers in a couple of existing tanks to start with. Got some free slats of glass from the builders doing up the building across from work. It’s something I need to do and also thought it would be a good starting point to learn from. Keep the tips coming ppl - all very helpful. Thanks, KA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted July 30, 2006 Report Share Posted July 30, 2006 putting dividers into an existing tank is more difficult than making a new one so good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted July 30, 2006 Report Share Posted July 30, 2006 Cut your dividers very carefully to size. DO NOT CUT TO FIT Allow to be able to slide either a split piece of garden hose or airline on the front and the back edges of the divider. These should be full length if you have fry but shorts otherwise Also if you have fry, the base should be covered to stop babies moving from one side to another. Or a strip of gravel along the bottom edge of the divider. If you are keeping killies, allow for their ability to jump and make sure the height is close to the underside of the lid. This too can have split garden hose on the top edge. The glass then the plastic edges are put in at an angle then twisted into place. Hope you can understand what I mean. I do. Alan 104 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keri Anne Posted July 31, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2006 Makes sense for removable ones – was looking at siliconeing them in but will remember that tip for the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Okay so I just started doing some of this, no oil on my cutter either. I'm finding it very difficult to cut long thin bits off a wider piece. Glass pane: ========= <<--want to cut eg edge off for an egg trap ---------------- I've using two vices to hold the bit I want to be broken away but it isn't working and lots of glass going to waste. I've cut some smaller pieces (9cm x 3cm) no worries but I want 26cm x 3cm and these are the tricky ones. Any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 come and see me and i will show you luke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Thanks..I've been meaning to come out there at some point I think I'll try this pencil underneath idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 3cms off on a pencil with even pressure, watch your hands and wear gloves, good ones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Luke What thickness of glass are you cutting strips of? How old is the glass? What sort of cutter are you using has the cutter got misses when your using it Why didnt you ask earlier as we were at Whakatane yesterday and I could have called around and showed you (and dropped of the Micros) on the way back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Oh I didn't realise you'd be willing to swing that far out of your way, thanks anyway. -Glass is 6mm (I have just found some 3mm which i'm hoping will be easier!) -Glass I'd estimate is pretty old not sure exactly -It's quite hard to get an even cut across the whole thing, especially when starting off, i.e can't get right to the edge, but everything I read says only make one cut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 30mm to take off older 6mm glass with little experiance is a bit harder Most people try to over hold the cutter but it should be comfy in your hand and should be held firm enough so as not to let it slip but dont strangle the cutter I use Inox as the lube and you could do well by swiping oil down where you are planing to cut If your in Auckland at any stage with a little spare time, give me a call and I will take you to the factory and show you how Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Cool do you work at a glass cutting factory? Oh man I just got to this 3mm glass today.......absolute DREAM. 6mm is way too hard. Well 6mm is okayish for 9cmx3cm oblongs but way too hard for 26cmx3cm. 3mm glass no sweat doing 26cmx3cm. Just broke it off a straight wooden edge. I got pics for the AW article. Also for the last cut, i.e breaking 6cm into 2 3cm strips I used a piece of dowel under it and applied even pressure, no sweat.. all good. Now I just need more 3mm glass! Off to the building recycling place tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gannet Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 what are you using 3mm glass for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 6' tank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 6 foot tank you gotta be kidding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cichlid7 Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 i think he means 6 inch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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