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Innovative Marine Aquariums

Cannot break glass in a straight line...help?


ps2cho

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I am getting frustrated here because I cannot seem to get glass to break along the scored line and I don't know why. When it breaks, it goes maybe 60-70% of the way along then simply curves off to the side.

 

What am I doing wrong here?

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That means the score isn't deep enough. Either the blade is getting dull or you need to put more pressure at the beginning of the scoring.

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I just tried again this time just doing it freehand -- it seems I have no problems when I don't have the tool against a ruler.

 

What do you suggest to get the line straight? I tried with a thin ruler and a long leveler I have and both are still stopping me from getting a deep enough score.

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Polarcollision

picture frame shops slip a pane of glass into an easel-like holder and score it vertically with a rolling blade. breaks clean every time.

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If your straight edge is too thin, it may be leading to your issue.

I noticed that when I was making smaller cuts and using a thin straight edge where I had to get the wheel against it instead of the thicker one where I held the frame of the cutter against it, the end of my cut wasn't straight and the broken edge wasn't flat. This is due to the wheel not being perpendicular (90°) to the surface as well as the straightedge preventing the wheel from going into the surface deep enough.

You need to measure the distance from the center of the cutting wheel to the edge of the frame and add this to your measurements when using a thicker straight edge, but I found I get better results.

 

Using a thin oil like mineral oil (oil for wood cutting boards is mineral oil) helps the cuts a lot as well. Much smoother and the wheel lasts longer too.

 

Running pliers help with the break as well. I like them much better than the method of laying the score line over the back end of the cutter or over the edge of the table and snapping it off.

 

 

Basics are even pressure through the entire cut (low work surface helps), keeping the cutter perpendicular to the surface, oil the wheel, and supporting the glass during the break for longer runs. But where you seem to only have issues when using the straight edge, I'd say it is an issue with keeping the cutter perpendicular or keeping sufficient even pressure while against a thin straight edge.

 

Good luck with the rest of your cuts, I hope you get it figured out. It gets to be quite fun once you get the hang of it.

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NorthGaHillbilly

Running pliers are key, start the break on both ends of the score and then use a very secure straight edge to finish the break.

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