How to Cut Out Glass

Practice cutting inexpensive glass before you make intricate, curved shapes so that you master scoring and breaking glass along designated lines.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glass
• Glass-breaking Pliers
• Grease Pencil
• Sheets Of Glass
• Work Gloves
• Work Gloves
• Cardboard
• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Small Jars
• Scissors
• Small Rag And Lubricating Oils
• Cutters
• Glass Cutter
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Safety Glasses
• Straightedges
• Glass Cutter
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Safety Glasses

1. Make a cardboard stencil of the glass design you wish to cut.

2. Place the stencil on the glass and hold it in place with one hand.

3. Trace around the stencil with a handheld, lubricated glass-cutter.

4. Use firm, even pressure, and score the glass only once.

5. Make one continuous line until you reach the end of the glass.

6. Use pliers to break the design from the rest of the glass.

Tips & Warnings

• Beginners should use thinner glass - ¼ inch and less in thickness.
• Substitute a straightedge for a template if that's easier for you.
• Try a grease pencil to mark your lines rather than holding a pattern.
• Wear work gloves to protect your hands and safety glasses to protect your eyes.

on 11/22/2005 If you're cutting compound curves, make several more shallow cuts rather than one deep one. There is less chance of breakage.

on 11/22/2005 Use rubber cement to hold your pattern piece on the glass you are cutting. With the pattern piece attached to the glass, it's labeled and may make assembly easier. You can peel the pattern piece off easily and re-use it for the next project.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of drawing the design on the glass or instead of holding the stencil, draw the design on a large piece of paper and put your glass over it; follow the lines with the glass cutter.

on 11/22/2005 Keep your cutter lubricated, and it will cut better and last longer.