Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 26, 2008 09:17am | #1

   Personally, I'd take it to a glass shop and have a pro cut it.

1. 
   chri7s | Dec 26, 2008 03:40pm | #2

   I agree. Why mess around? Everytime I try to cut glass myself the results are questionable at best. Spend the few dollars and save the aggravation.

2. 
   | Dec 26, 2008 04:29pm | #3

   Make sure the sheet is not tempered. I watched as a co-worker (a know it all, who was warned) tried. The instant he touched the cutter to the surface the sheet fell into about 1000 little pieces :0  I must admit, it was funny to watch :)

    

   Bob, Tupper Lake, NY

3. 
   spike999250 | Dec 26, 2008 06:37pm | #4

   If you have cut glass before go ahead and cut it but if you have never cut glass and have any doubt---don't.  This will sound funny but glass can smell fear and if you are the least bit leary it will break wrong or crack.  We always clamped a straight edge, dip cutter in kerosene, score glass with one smooth motion and steady pressure thru the entire cut.  Immediately pick up sheet, place handle of cutter under sheet and centered on score and press on th scrap side, and voila.  If you are using a new cutter, take a few practice cuts on scrap to break it in.  We used to cut sheets  standing vertically on the side of the truck on site.  Never like that!

4. 
   stantheman | Dec 26, 2008 08:18pm | #5

   rodnog

   my local Ace Hardware cuts it for free if I buy the glass there.  I have found that those wheel cutters are a one time use.  Any time it slides instead of rolls, it's trash.  SPike is right.  Any hesitation in your stroke and you are done.

5. 
   DIYGuy | Dec 26, 2008 08:47pm | #6

   Rodnog,

   Make sure the glass is absoluetly clean and your cutter is well oiled. Make the score in one swift movement. Practicing on a separate piece first, if possible.

   For what you're doing, I'd highly recommend you get a pair of running plyers. http://www.alpineglass.com/shop/detail/808. You can find them at any local glass supplier. A 75" x 4" piece from plate glass is no easy cut.

   Wear heavy gloves and SAFETY GLASSES, because tiny microscopic slivers will fly.

6. 
   sapwood | Dec 26, 2008 10:35pm | #7

   I've cut literally hundreds of pieces of 3/16" glass with a simple glass cutter (score and snap) with little problem. The last project I did called for 1"wide by 30" long pieces. Even this narrow proportion presented no problem. So go ahead. Despite all the fear and hesitation of others, cutting glass is a snap!

7. 
   bigfootnampa | Dec 27, 2008 12:59am | #8

   Hmm it sounds to me like sapwood might have a Toyo glass cutter... they are a different kettle of fish entirely!  The Toyo cutters have carbide wheels and will cut hundreds of pieces before they need a replacement wheel.   They are so sharp that when the wheels are new you can often skip the snap process... just pick up one side and the other will stay on the table.  They will cut with a reliability that typical hardware store Red Devil cutters and the like could not even with world class experts handling them.

   Here's some on Amazon... I have the # 2. Toyo Brass Supercutter.

   http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=toyo+glass+cutter&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=1098940901&ref=pd_sl_6nu5f9pdkk_e

1. 
   rodnog | Dec 27, 2008 04:25am | #9

   Thanks all for the advice.  You always have to do it once to learn.

1. 
   bigfootnampa | Dec 27, 2008 06:49am | #10

   You're welcome sir and so true it is... be not afraid.