How to Cut Oval Door Glass

Use a red hot wire to cut a piece of oval glass.

An oval-cut piece of glass is not an easy cut to make for most individuals. The process entails etching the glass and melting it with a piece of 2.6- to 3.26-gauge bent wire. The bend must be precise unless there is a little give in the opening where the oval glass will be placed. Water is used to cool the glass and keep it from cracking.

Things You'll Need

• Glass
• Oval template
• File or graver
• 2.6- to 3.26-gauge metal wire
• Wire cutters
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Acetylene torch
• Striker
• 6-foot plastic swimming pool
• Water

Instructions

1. Fill a 6-foot plastic pool with 1/8-inch of cold water.

2. Lay the glass on a clean, hard surface. Place the oval template on the surface of the glass. Trace around the outside edge of the oval with a file or graver.

3. Lay a piece of 2.6- to 3.26-gauge metal wire along the etched oval line. Cut the wire 2 inches larger than the oval shape. Bend the wire so it lays perfectly on the etched line. Cut off the unneeded wire. The cut ends of the wire should touch and complete the oval.

4. Place the wire on a nonflammable surface. Light the torch and heat the wire until it is red hot.

5. Pick up the metal wire with heat-resistant gloves. Carefully lay it on the etched oval line. Let sit for 5 seconds.

6. Pick up the glass, making sure to keep it as level as possible. Place the glass in the bottom of the swimming pool. Leave the glass in the water for 30 seconds.

7. Remove the outer edge of the glass from the water, the oval and the wire.

References

• Chest of Books: Glass Part 4
• Gauge Thickness chart & Information
• SpringerLink: Cutting out elliptical blanks from flat glass without using a pattern