If you still have any questions after you have read these step-by-step instructions, please, feel free to contact us either by e-mail at info@technologylk.com or by calling us at 216-663-9830.
1. Care of Your Cutter
Your cutter is a simple tool. But it does need care. Always keep your
Glass Cutter cutter, except for the Diamond Tip Glass Cutter, in the Cutter Stand filled with some Professional Glass Cutter Oil.
Dipping your cutter wheel in oil between every two or three cuts will keep it clean and lubricated and will prolong its life. When your cutter dulls, instead of trying to re-sharpen it, purchase a new one – they are not that expensive.
2. Holding the Cutter (Method 1)
Hold the cutter between the first two fingers. The thumb and index finger should be in position to bear down on the shoulders of the cutter. Support hand with the last two fingers with the notched edge of the cutter towards you. The cutter must be perpendicular to the glass. This is very important. Stand while cutting. Pressure on the cutter should be even along the entire length of the score. Practice straight scores until you get the feel of it.
3. Holding the Cutter (Method 2)
Grasp the shaft of the cutter with all four fingers. Place your thumb on the top. Support your hand at the wrist. Power should be delivered from the shoulder whenever possible. The notched edge of the cutter should be towards you. Keep the cutter perpendicular to the glass. You may find this position gives you more control, especially in the beginning. Again, practice.
4. Scoring
Lubricate with the Professional Glass Cutter Oil along the future score with the Glass Slicker. Bearing down firmly with the cutter, start 1/8” in from the edge farthest away from you. Pull the cutter towards you maintaining downward pressure. Stop 1/8” from the opposite edge. Don’t go off. Listen for the scritch of your cutter. The score should show clearly on the glass. NEVER go over the same score twice – it’s a law. Do the most difficult scores first, and after each score break the glass (how to break the glass will be explained just ahead).
5. Tapping
You might or might not tap on the score before snapping the glass – it depends on your preferences. If you decide to do tapping, you can do so with the ball end of your glass cutter or, which is better, you can use a Glass Tapper.
Hold the glass in one hand and your cutter or Glass Tapper in the other. With the end of the cutter or with the ball end of the tapper, gently begin to tap the underside of the score. Begin at the far edge tapping towards the middle. The tapping will start a “run” in the score. Once the run starts, keep tapping just in front of it. Be firm, but not heavy handed. Do your tapping over the workbench. Glass has a tendency to break before you expect it to and you don’t want it to go crashing to the floor.
6. Snapping Straight Scores
Make a fist out of both hands with clenched fingers underneath the glass, thumbs on top, parallel to the score, firmly press out and away. Snap. If the glass is too large to hold, use the edge of your work bench. Place score just over the edge. Hold firmly in place with one hand, with the other hand grasp extended edge and snap down. The score can also be placed just over the edge of a ruler. Position one hand on each side of the ruler and press down.
7. Using Pliers
You will need Pliers to snap off small straight line scores.
Any Running Glass Pliers will work.
To break a score located close to the edge of the glass use either the Drop Jaw Glass Pliers or one of the Straight Jaw Glass Pliers.
Place a piece of cloth, for padding, between the pliers and the glass. This will prevent scratches or possible chipping. Position the pliers just up to the edge of the score line and closer to one edge of the glass, just off center. With your free hand, hold the glass on the opposite side of the score. Pull down and away with the pliers, your free hand providing opposing pressure.
8. Seaming the Edge.
To get a finished look on the edge of your glass you can use a simple, yet efficient tool – the Edge Seamer.
Please, remember to always wear the proper safety gear including eye protection and a respirator before seaming, grinding or sanding glass.