Basic Cutting Supply List

This is a simple and basic cutting supply list. If you have done stained glass, or any other type of glass work, you probably have most of these items.

If you are not sure how to do basic glass cutting, please refer to the glass cutting page for more information. Of course you will need supplies to be able to cut glass, so here is a list of the basic tools.

First look through the cutting supply list, and then continue reading to see how they are used to accomplish glass cutting.

This basic cutting supply list begins with safety. When doing anything from cutting, grinding, or using glass powder, it is important to wear your goggles or safety glasses. Be sure that these fit close to your face.

After putting these on, you will put down your newspaper on a nice flat surface. Select your piece of glass. Clean it thoroughly using glass cleaner. Always try to select a piece that just fits your pattern, not a full sheet of glass. This will not only be easier to cut, but you won't waste as much glass in the process. Place your selected piece of glass on the newspaper.

At this point, you can either cut straight line using a ruler, or cut a design using a pattern. If you have selected a design to cut, be sure that it is a design that you can actually cut out of glass. There should not be any tight curved lines. You will need to either trace this pattern onto your glass with a permanent marker, or secure the pattern with rubber cement.

Standing is the most effective way of cutting glass. They have cutters that you can use if you have to sit down, but I have not tried this method, and am not sure if it is as effective. The weight and movement of your body will give you more control over your cutting success.

Some people push the glass cutter, while others prefer to pull. Either one is fine. If you have practiced cutting glass, do which method feels best and easiest for you.

Remember that the cutter wheel must be perpendicular to the glass, and you need to be able to see the cutter wheel and your cutting line. Always dip your cutter into the cutter oil before you begin. Make sure you have the smooth side of the glass up before starting your cut.

Maintain steady even pressure, and listen for the scratching sound as you move the cutter from one end of your cut to the other end of the line. You can try lifting your cutter at the end of your cut, but I still have not mastered this technique myself. One nice slow even cut is what you are looking for here. Don't go over your score line more than once.

If you are making any deep curves in your pattern, these will need to be cut and broken out a little at a time. Grozing pliers are great for chewing away little piece of glass in those tight spots.

If you are making straight or fairly straight lines, you can fun the glass and break it either using your hands, or using breaking pliers, or running pliers.

When you are finished cutting your glass, carefully pick up and discard your newspaper. Use the soft shoe brush to clean off your work area. If you are going to cut another piece, you can use the same newspaper, just be sure it is cleaned off. Small pieces of glass can either throw your cut off, or break your new piece of glass.

This is a basic cutting supply list. If you want more information on cutting glass, please refer to the Basic Glass Cutting Techniques page.

Hopefully, this basic cutting supply list will help you with understanding the tools and how to use them in cutting your glass.

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