Hey everyone, I'm planning some DIY projects related to glassworking, I need an advice on how to cut out a square shape on the edge of the glass sheet. Tried lookung it up but couldn't find any straight up tips on how to do it. I've attached a photo explaining what I mean.
Drill a hole in both corners then cut the shape and scar the glass all over where you want to cut out and tap from underneath I've been glazing since 1983 and cut hundreds of these. If you need me to show you just ask and I will make a video at work You obviously need a glass drill bit (you can buy them on Amazon- glass tool suppliers) Otherwise just take it to a glass shop and it should be about $15/20
I don't need to do this but I still would be interested in such a video too :) !
I will post one on this post when I get back to work on the 5th, depending on how busy the company I work for is.
If you'd be able to make a video and even maybe post it on youtube for others that may loo it up in the future that would be awesome, of course if it's not too much hassle for you. I have a drill with glass bit, just needed a confirmation if it's even possible and maybe some tips.
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The guy offered to make a video in his comment.
Also worth remembering before cutting glass, if in a colder climate, bring the galss inside to warm it up, as it cuts nicer
Worked with glass for years. Never able to cut a piece out of a sheet. Maybe with specialized equipment.
make it out of lexan or acrylic instead
I would score the square, then score across the corner diagonals. Then tap the center at the X. I haven't done this but it's what I would try. I would also buy lots of pieces to test with.
You can’t do that yourself. It needs to be cut on machinery. Make a template and bring it to a glass place.
Depending on the glass, and how replaceable, it may be possible to cut it with one score that has small radii rather than square corners. What is it for? And will it all be visible? I’d recommend a good quality glass cutter, running pliers, and practice
I want to make guards for my aquarium to prevent my turtle from jumping out. I want to put it only on one side and making it out of 3 pieces would make me question the integrity (turtle quite a chonker). I'm planning to try drilling holes in the corners to make it snap easier. Trial and error is acceptable, I'll use some cheap salvaged glass sheets.
I think maybe laser cut solid polycarbonate (a plastic sometimes known as "bulletproof glass") would be better for this. Services exist to do the cuts by laser from a drawing or even just a description. I use Simply Plastics in the UK, every region will have their own version.
After scoring with a glass cutter, a change in temperature on the crack will make it complete the snap. But I think the corners would be an issue. Drilling a small hole in each corner prior to scoring may provide enough relief so the crack stops at the end of the score when you're ready.
If you watch bottle cutting videos (using flames or string) you'll get the general idea how they perform the final snap to separate them using cold or hot water instead of bending it to break.
It might be better to use a service like SendCutSend for something like this. Polycarbonate will do the job just fine. Even if your ninja turtle is a chonk.
This sounds like a one-off, and you’ve gotten good advice on this shape. I know you can get diamond blades to use in scroll saws - it’s one way people that make stained glass windows cut intricate shapes (they also score and break and use nippers). You’d want a saw with speed control (to go slower) and rig up some sort of water drip and catch tray.
Not sure why so many people are saying you can't - This ain't waterjet or 5-axis CNC territory; you just need a cheap diamond bladed wet-saw ("tile" saw). You can get basic ones for well under a hundred bucks, and once you have one, you'll wish you'd spent a bit more on a bigger one because they're so useful.
Edit: If your cut-out is smaller than the diameter of your blade, getting that inner cut is still going to be tricky, but just take it slow and nibble away at it.
You can score and snap with a glass scoring tool and glass pliers. (Not good for what you're doing)
You can get a wet tile saw with a glass cutting blade.
Diamond band saw.
Diamond ring saw.
Probably a diamond disc for a Dremel type thing.
Would drilling holes in the corners and using a glass knife work? I don't really have many tools to work with and buying a circular saw sadly isn't really an option.
Most hardware stores sell a fairly cheap glass score. Alternatively a nice piece of plexiglass would be easier to cut and no one would ever really know it’s not glass.
This might work. Once you've scored to the hole, tap underneath the glass lightly right at the score instead of just trying to snap it. Often you can see the fissure start and just go slowly, tapping as you go so (hopefully) it stops at the hole.
If this is an expensive piece of glass, or irreplaceable, take it to a professional.
Yes, this is how I’ve done it. It’s a little risky and you might break the glass. On one side score the cuts you want to make, on the other side score from the drilled holes to the middle of the edge your breaking off
You go to a glass shop and ask them to take your money. Or get out a diamond file.
Waterjet or maybe laser would likely be the fast and easy ways.
You should move target square to corner, then make two cuts edge to edge
I think their target is the rest of the piece, not the square. It would be easy to do in 3 pieces instead of the one, but they said they don't want that. Plexiglass seems like a great alternative here.