Cutting glass

[Terryr]

Hi there

Has anyone tried cutting glass at home using the ordinary type glass cutter?
I have some panes that have wee bits broken off the corner that could be cut to a usable size. I guess I have nothing to lose (as long as I am careful).
Any tips?

Spring not too far away.
Terryr

[Scarlet]

I have! ....I'm rubbish at DIY too. The older the glass the more brittle it seemed. I used a long metal ruler for my cutting line. With even pressure along the cut. Make sure you press evenly at the ends.
I had some failures but the rest weren't too bad. Wear good gloves.
The glass cutter I had had oil in it?? Not sure if they are all like that but it worked a treat.

[Bigmallly]

What I did (have never cut glass before) was score the glass ONCE ONLY, then from under the score line gently tap with the glass cutter, you should see the cut running along the score line. Some folks use matches or pencils under the score line then press down but that didn't work for me.

[Scarlet]

I scored only once too. If you stop, or go over a bit again - you don't get a clean cut.
I presume whacking it with a hammer may be why I had a few casualties

[roitelet]

Never managed it myself. However I watched a professional do it once and he dipped the cutter in a light oil before each cut.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Standard wheel cutter, first job prepare your surface, flat table top with a sheet on is ideal. Next clean the glass to be cut, make sure the are no bits adhering to the glass otherwise it will crack.

If the wheel cutter has been used before either check it cuts clean on a spare piece of glass or align a new wheel, most have 5 wheels for this purpose. Make sure the wheel spins freely with no stuttering, a little 3 in 1 oil will help.

Lay the glass on the mat, make sure your straight edge is firmly in place and you can hold it there, hold the cutter vertical and score with one stroke. If you skip during the stroke do not go over it with the cutter this will ruin the wheel. Finally as said either tap gently on the opposite side of the glass or place two match sticks under it one at either end of the score line and press down on both side at once.
When you have done that take the sheet to the dustbin and shake out and slivers of glass or dirt before trying to make your next cut.

Remember the edge of the glass will be as sharp as a razor take care.

[Greenleaves]

As Potty says, I in addition rub the cut edge with fine wet and dry. Make sure you are using good gloves before doing this!

[Terryr]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies and tips. More than I expected. I will give it a go.

Cheers
Terryr

[Bill HH]

Make sure you have lots of glass and a large bin. As each sheet smashes to smithereens,bin it. Throw glass cutter over hedge and visit you nearest glass retailer. I have tried many times and succeeded on very few occasions. The sheets you desperately need will always smash, the ones you do on scrap for practice usualy go well. It is a confidence thing, if you have doubts or hesitations it wont work. After the three hundreth sheet you will suddenly be able to do it in your sleep (Not recommended) I hope this boosts your confidence.

[Terryr]

Hi Bill

You are very likely to be spot on. I've had a couple of damaged sheets lying about that could cut to a useful size. I will give it a go.

Cheers
Terryr