How to Cut the Glass

There's no need to feel anxious about how to do this. Many of us think that glass-cutting involves an elaborate process with complicated, expensive tools―but that isn't the case. Let's take a look at unbelievably simple ways on how to perform this at home.

Glass-cutting is not just a DIY project for those who dare to experiment with something so fragile and dangerous, but also for first timers. All it takes is a little patience and careful planning to be able to complete the project, without getting yourself hurt, of course! Here, you'll find two techniques on how to cut glass effectively, where it is advisable to accompany young children while they perform this. If you aren't entirely sure of yourself, it is better to ask someone to assist you while you work.

  You will need to get yourself a glass cutter, a metal ruler, small bowl of oil, and a marker. This method works ideally on expansive sheets of glass, but but you may also try it out on other thing. Using the metal ruler, divide the face of the glass surface into two equal halves, making sure you have enough room for your hands to snap the two pieces in half, after you've scored the glass. Using the glass cutter, wet the tip in the bowl of oil before aligning the ruler on the sheet of glass of where you'll need to score it.

Along the edge of the ruler, gently and slowly glide the glass cutter from top to bottom, being sure not to score it again after the first time. You can use the marker to draw a line along the glass, to help realign the ruler in case it shifts. Once you've scored the glass, apply pressure to the center of the sheet, gently nudging both ends until they fall apart. With considerable force, it'll split into two. You can use a sharpening stone or sandpaper to smoothen the rough edges of the glass, once broken in half.

  Now, let us look at the specific method.

Step1: Obtain a glass cutter and some light oil. Glass cutters are about the size of a pencil and use a diamond or a hardened wheel to mark a score into glass so that it can be broken cleanly along a line. You can buy cutting oil at a stained glass store or use a small amount of kerosene.

Step2: Measure and mark where you want score. The score must run from one edge of the glass to the other edge. You can write on the glass with a marker (preferably with a straight edge, if you are cutting a straight line. You can also mark on paper and place the glass on top of the paper.

Step3:Dip the cutter in the oil and grasp it like a pencil. An oiled cutter creates a smoother score line. Make sure to look at the wheel and make sure it is lined up the way you want the glass to cut.

Step4: Lay out a straight edge. Use a yardstick or a normal desk ruler. You need something that has a thick enough profile that it won't conflict with the wheel on the cutter.

Step5: Apply pressure to the glass and you pull the cutter along the surface, rolling on the small carbide wheel. Listen for a smooth sound like ripping silk. A gritty sound means that you are pushing too hard or that you did not oil your cutter. The less sound you make, the better your score will be.

Step6: Check your score. You want a score that is not popping and is barely visible, if you were to wipe the oil away. It should look like a small scratch, nothing more. Make sure it runs completely from one edge to the other.

Step7: Grasp each side of the cut carefully in your hands. Hold the glass as if you were trying to break a potato chip in half with two hands.

Step8: Apply minor pressure from the wrist to break the glass along your score. Your elbows do not move. Simply twist your wrists (your right wrist will turn clockwise and your left will turn counterclockwise). Imagine that the score you made is half the depth of the glass and now you need to "open it up" by using the score as a weak spot. You're done as soon as you have two pieces of glass instead of the one you started with.

Step9: Use fine sandpaper or a sharpening stone to remove the sharp edge. This edge will be where the vertical edge meets the horizontal surfaces. Not only does sanding reduce the chances of your being cut, but sanded glass is less likely to chip along the edges and has some added strength.