When working with stained glass, your tools can make or break your project, literally. And since the primary step in crafting your masterpiece is to cut those colorful pieces into your desired shapes and sizes, you’ll need to protect the glass from shattering or cracking with high-quality cutting tools. There are connected and geared devices, hand tools, tools with a replaceable oil tank and blade, pen-style tools – there may be so many options to choose from a little research before you make your choice. Ahead, find our recommendations to make your task a little easier.
1. Toyo pistol grip glass cutter
This glass cutter has been designed with user convenience in mind. The tool vibrates as the wheel spins, which takes some getting used to, but this makes the cutting itself easier on the hand and results in less stress. The steel carbide wheel is sharp to deliver clean edges, and the body is lightweight. It is loaded with an oil tank that feeds to the cutter head and to the wheel as it moves. The oil not only extends the life of the wheel itself, but also helps with a cleaner cut. The tool is also slightly angled so you can put your hand in a more natural position to dig deeper. The heads are replaceable, and if treated carefully, this cutter should last for years.
2. Gordon Glass Silberschnitt Cutter
This oil glass cutter features a strong and durable cutting wheel that cuts at an angle of 138 degrees. It’s made of tungsten carbide, which is harder than steel and tends to last longer. The brass handle is handsome and features an oil reservoir, and it also has a finger grip that allows for more control when cutting. It is available in two sizes, narrow and wide. The former is usually better for cutting curved lines or organic shapes, and the latter for straight lines. The blade head is interchangeable and can be replaced if necessary.
3. Professional red devil glass cutter
This glass cutter is the heavier version of the brand’s more classic Shaw glass cutter. It’s made with a steel wheel that scores cleanly the glass and a ball tip for tapping while cutting, to help separate the glass along your score lines. Despite being a professional quality product, the wheel is not replaceable. The red handle is tapered for convenience and easy to put in your toolbox.
4. Delphi Mini Starter Kit
This complete set includes Cutter’s Mate Router for precision cutting and precision measurement. Cutters that can design everything from strips to circles to freeform shapes attach to the guide itself, resulting in a process that isn’t quite as free-form as some other pen-style glass cutters. This makes it ideal for both professionals and beginners looking for a little extra guidance. The foam padded handle on the guide makes it comfortable to work for long periods of time. The entire station has a compact footprint so you can leave it on your workbench if you wish.
This Toyo cutter is similar to the Silberschnitt cutter, since they both feature straight metal handles and a carbide wheel. However, it is a little less expensive, as it also comes with a bottle of high-quality cutting oil. Its handle catches oil and prevents leakage, while the tip is sharp and able to withstand a good amount of pressure. The oil has been specially developed for glass cutters; A few drops go a long way to help achieve smooth, consistent lines.
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