I am sharing a portion of an email from Paragon that I received this week along with a few tips I learned along the way. They might help you avoid a few disasters.
GLASS CUTTING POINTERS
The table you are cutting on must be flat.
Pressing too hard with the glass cutter will produce imperfections along the freshly cut glass edge. Press just hard enough to make an even, steady noise and a consistent score line.
Here is a fast way to cut small pieces. The only tools you will need are a glass cutter and straight edge. First, make all your score lines on the glass. Then turn the glass over and tap out the pieces.
When making a long cut, do not lift the glass as you break it with breaking pliers. Lifting can put a slight bow in the glass, which causes it to separate erratically. Instead, leave the glass flat on the table, pull a little out from the edge, and break it with piers.
After scoring, use breaking pliers to separate a narrow piece of glass
The table you are cutting on must be flat.
Pressing too hard with the glass cutter will produce imperfections along the freshly cut glass edge. Press just hard enough to make an even, steady noise and a consistent score line.
Here is a fast way to cut small pieces. The only tools you will need are a glass cutter and straight edge. First, make all your score lines on the glass. Then turn the glass over and tap out the pieces.
When making a long cut, do not lift the glass as you break it with breaking pliers. Lifting can put a slight bow in the glass, which causes it to separate erratically. Instead, leave the glass flat on the table, pull a little out from the edge, and break it with piers.
After scoring, use breaking pliers to separate a narrow piece of glass
Sounds easy? Well, I went through a lot of scrap glass to make a straight break every time. Mainly, because in the beginning I would forget steps or did not take the time to know the glass I was going to be cutting.
I. always clean your glass - on both sides.
2. cut on the correct side. There is a top and bottom. The smooth side is the correct one. You use your fingers to feel the difference.
3. study the glass for imperfections and possible curves and avoid cutting through them and when possible work around them.
4. textured glass is always cut on the bottom because it is now the smooth side.
5. on a long cut make many taps close together, do not skimp!
6. do not rush, take your time and do it right.
Practice on window glass or ask you glass supplier if they have a scrap bin and buy odds and ends saving yourself a lot of money while you are learning. And if you only buy compatible glass you will end up with lots of small pieces that you can use for decorating, or for small projects.
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