How To Cut Glass With A T-Square Cutter

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Glass Artists Newsletter - June 2008

You can read our current newsletter here on-line each month, free of charge. We hope you will take the opportunity to let your stained glass artist friends know about the newsletter and if you have students, encourage them to read it.

If you'd like a reminder when a new issue is published simply send us your e-mail address.

In the meantime, we welcome your input and support. Let us know if you have tips and techniques or product information you'd like to share.

Okay, I admit it, sometimes I need more motivation than just another of the same stained glass panels. The thrill kind of wears off after 20 renditions of the same thing. And yet...

When we install many of the same panels in a home and they look sooo good, it's a rush that really gets me re-committed!

In May, the Utah Valley Home Builders Association kicked off the Home Show. Started on May 30th and runs through June 14th. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

We have stained glass in a Jewkes Brothers Home (for the third year in a row).

We also have stained glass in a Hatfield Home (they took best of show last year).

Last month we showed the techniques of cutting glass. This month we continue with how to cut glass with a t-square glass cutter.

How To Cut Stained Glass with a T-square Cutter

When we have a window with a lot of straight lines, we use a t-square cutter to cut perfectly straight lines. When windows have no curved lines, we often build the windows without needing poster board pattern pieces. You can order a t-square cutter from us by clicking here.

	To cut using a t-square cutter, you'll need a wood strip attached to the edge of your work bench. It needs to be thicker than the edge of the cutter added to the thickness of the glass you're cutting, or it will rub on your glass as you cut. Hold the cutter with both hands. You want to slide the cutter so that it stays against the wood guide and so that there is proper pressure against the glass.
	Here, the two sides of the scored glass is held with both hands, which are then rocked apart to break the glass in two pieces.
	When you cut strips that are especially thin, you can use a pair of running pliers to break the glass. Set the jaws of the pliers which have a curved jaw directly over the score line. There is a line on top of the pliers to let you know which side is up. When you squeeze the pliers, the curved jaw presses on the glass just like you do when rocking your hands apart and the glass will break easily. You can order running pliers from us by clicking here.
	The most important skill when using a t-square cutter is keeping the cutter against the guide strip while keeping the proper pressure against the glass. We dip the head of the cutter in cutting oil before scoring the glass to extend the life of the cutter. You can order cutting oil by clicking here.
	Here, the running pliers are in position to break the glass after it's been scored.
	By using a jig to cut bevels, you can get a perfect cut. Place the beveled glass upside down so that the whole length of the bevel can be scored. Hold each opposite side of the bevel down as you score the bevel so that the pressure doesn't tip the bevel up. (Next month we'll show how to make a jig.)
	Hold the scored line across a sharp edge and place pressure on both sides of the bevel.
	The two pieces will separate quite easily.
	An alternative method to separating the two pieces of glass is by gripping each side of the glass close to the score line. Don't try to squash the glass with the pliers, use the same rocking motion that you use when rocking your hands apart.
	This method works very well with small pieces that are difficult to grip by hand. Need pliers? Click here.

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Email: david@gommstudios.com

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Use a T-Square to cut
perfectly straight lines.