|
Basic Glass Cutting
There are dozens of different kinds of
cutters and lots of opinions about the "correct" way to cut
glass, but there's only one key to getting it right: practice,
practice, practice.
The first thing you should do is stay away from the cheap
glasscutters you can buy in hardware stores. Instead, get a
cutter especially made for cutting stained glass. There are two
major types: the pencil grip and the handle grip. There are also
two major manufacturers, Fletcher and Toyo, as well as a host of
other manufacturers. Most make cutters in each style. It's best
if you can try each style to find the one that feels most
comfortable to you.
Now that you have the right tool, it's time to get ready to
cut. Start with scrap glass -- inexpensive window ("float") glass
is just right for practice. It's better to cut standing up than
sitting down. Many people are slightly afraid when they first
cut glass; as a result, they cut timidly, rather than with an
even stroke. Good cutting considers a number of different
factors, ranging from basic stance to work surface to amount of
pressure and more.
Stay tuned for more on cutting, including specific tips to help
you do the best job of cutting glass.
----------------
Copyright 2005 Brad Walker. All rights
reserved.
Most of these this
information adapted from
Contemporary Warm Glass: A Guide to
Fusing, Slumping, and Related Kiln-forming Techniques.
|
