Safe Glass Cutting

I believe that glass cutting is the most important step in creating stained glass artwork. The better you cuts the less work down the line. If you cut too big you have to go back and cut little strips off or grind till the cows come home. Instructors do not like to hear the grinder for hours on pieces that could have been cut better and you will not enjoy at the time at the grinder.

You need to wear safety glasses or a shield to prevent glass chips from flying up in your eyes.

You do not need to wear gloves, they sometimes cause more problems than good.

Be sure your pattern pieces are well attached to glass with Rubber Cement (contains Latex) or a glue stick (if you are allergic to latex this an option). Some people like to use a Sharpie to trace around the pattern directly on the glass.

When breaking the glass, taking the desired piece out of a larger piece of glass- be alert, score on the line closest to the pattern. If it is a straight line you use Running Pliers, if it is curved use Breaking Pliers or Groozing Pliers.

All this will be covered in class with more detail.

Student learning proper glass cutting techniques under guidance.