Cutting Sheet Glass

Culture & Context

I use glass components like these in my glass sculptures

Process & Production

The glass is cleaned with methylated spirits to remove any dust or grease. The desired shape is drawn on the glass with a fine permanent maker. The tungsten wheel of the glass cutter is run along the glass with enough pressure to scratch the surface. The glass is broken by squeezing it with a cut running pliers.

Organic and curvy shapes are cut in a number of stages. Small shapes are trimmed with a grozing pliers. Shapes can be refined with a table top glass grinder. This machine has a diamond cylinder shaped bit that rotates at a high speed. The diamond bit carves shapes and removes material as the glass is pressed into it.

There is a wet sponge positioned on the diamond bit and a tray of water underneath to keep the glass cool, avoiding breakages.