How to cut glass

It takes a lot of practice to perfect the art of cutting glass neatly and accurately.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• turpentine
• oil
• cutter
• dowel

1. Place the glass on a large, flat surface covered with newspapers.

2. Wipe the glass along the line you propose to cut with a little turpentine.

3. Apply a drop of light oil to the cutter and, holding it vertically, draw it along a straight edge making sure that you maintain continuous firm pressure for the entire length of the line.

4. Do not attempt to cut through the glass, but strive for a continuous, even line.

5. Place a thin dowel underneath the glass and in line with the scored section.

6. Press firmly with flat hands and gloves on either side of the line.

7. Alternatively snap glass by holding one side over the edge of the table. Press firmly on one half and snap the other half off by applying a rapid downwards movement with the other hand.

Tips & Warnings

• Glass cutting can be mastered with a little practice.
• It pays to use rubber gloves or some other protection for your hands when cutting glass.
• Too much pressure on the cutting wheel results in chipped edges and too little pressure means that unscored spots are left along the cutting line.