A glass cutter is not really a glass cutter! A glass cutter scores the glass allowing you to break the glass where you want it broken.
There are many different types and brands of glass cutters out there, from the old school cutter that retails around $4 to superior quality for up to $50. It is one of those "you get what you pay things". I have used the $4 cutter and it is fine to start out with but you will want to upgrade for sure. The $4 one has to be dipped in lubricating oil to keep the blade lubed and in good working condition. The self oiling ones take that step out but they will leak so do not fill them to the top. The self oiling ones also can get replacement heads so you keep the cutter forever.
How do you care for your cutter? These simple steps will help your cutter last longer.
1) The glass cutter is one of the most important tools in your studio, treat it that way. Do not throw it in a can for storage or in a drawer with a bunch of other tools.
2) Make sure the glass surface is clean of dirt, which can clog the the cutting wheel.
3) Always lube up the wheel with cutter oil. You can put apiece of sponge in a bottle cap and soak it with oil. Just dap cutter on sponge to pick up oil and score. I would suggest every score or every other score depending on how much oil is on the wheel. A self oiling cutter will release oil with pressure. Check the wheel for debris like dust and dirt- that will prevent oil for releasing.
4) Start at edge of glass, score but do not run off the other edge. When you run off the glass you can chip the glass but also you can damage the wheel.
5) Clean your cutter by wiping it off after use. Just helps to prolong its life. Check the rubber washer on the nut to be sure it is not drying out or cracked ( will cause more oil to leak out when not in use).
6) Have fun and push yourself once in a while to cut tricky pieces. If you want more information on cutting glass, just comment and I will answer your questions.
Remember to sign up for my Insider Newsletter to get update news from the studio.
Keep art in your heART,
Kim
There are many different types and brands of glass cutters out there, from the old school cutter that retails around $4 to superior quality for up to $50. It is one of those "you get what you pay things". I have used the $4 cutter and it is fine to start out with but you will want to upgrade for sure. The $4 one has to be dipped in lubricating oil to keep the blade lubed and in good working condition. The self oiling ones take that step out but they will leak so do not fill them to the top. The self oiling ones also can get replacement heads so you keep the cutter forever.
How do you care for your cutter? These simple steps will help your cutter last longer.
1) The glass cutter is one of the most important tools in your studio, treat it that way. Do not throw it in a can for storage or in a drawer with a bunch of other tools.
2) Make sure the glass surface is clean of dirt, which can clog the the cutting wheel.
3) Always lube up the wheel with cutter oil. You can put apiece of sponge in a bottle cap and soak it with oil. Just dap cutter on sponge to pick up oil and score. I would suggest every score or every other score depending on how much oil is on the wheel. A self oiling cutter will release oil with pressure. Check the wheel for debris like dust and dirt- that will prevent oil for releasing.
4) Start at edge of glass, score but do not run off the other edge. When you run off the glass you can chip the glass but also you can damage the wheel.
5) Clean your cutter by wiping it off after use. Just helps to prolong its life. Check the rubber washer on the nut to be sure it is not drying out or cracked ( will cause more oil to leak out when not in use).
6) Have fun and push yourself once in a while to cut tricky pieces. If you want more information on cutting glass, just comment and I will answer your questions.
Remember to sign up for my Insider Newsletter to get update news from the studio.
Keep art in your heART,
Kim
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