Glass cutters

[Kathy]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for some advice on the choice of glass cutters. At the moment I am using an oil filled cutter with the logan rule, but find it difficult when working with larger sheets of glass.

If anyone could recommend an alternative (eg. something similar to the Excalibur 5000) that would be really appreciated.

On the other hand, I am not sure if it is simply better to perservere with the hand held cutter or look for the alternatives. Any advice will be appreciated.

Kathy

[Merlin]

Hi Kathy
Welcome to the Forum.

This question has been asked a number of times over the years.

In the top Header section there is a search facility. If you type in 'Glass Cutters' you will get a list of threads with lots of information.

Hope that helps

[Graysalchemy]

An excalibur is probably the best thing to have, unfortunately they are quite large and need a fair head height. However if you have the space they are an excellent investment they make glass cutting a pleasure. The stops allow accurate cutting, and it can also be used for mount board and backing board. The only thing is I wish I had the bigger one as I do cut 6x4 sheets and I end up using a big T square and hand cutter.

Tomorrow I have got 50 glass and backs to cut which will take no time at all.

Thanks

A

[Jonny2morsos]

There is a Keencut System 4000 on ebay at the moment

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Framing-Glass-Boa ... 3f0afb7ee6


If you can get it at a reasonable price and set it up yourself I don't think you will regret it assuming nothing major is wrong with it. Biggest thing is getting the squaring correct but once this is done you won't need to touch it again unless you move it. Most replacement parts are available from Keencut although I believe Ashworth & Thompson keep stock and also the various machine service specialists will probably be able to help.

[Roboframer]

A wall-mounted cutter will solve a lot of problems for you.

Space - all of your boards and glass will be cut vertically, free-ing up your bench(es)

Accuracy - all the frame's contents are cut on the same stops.

Materials - when cutting boards on a bench you need some sort of slip sheet to protect the surface of the bench; you'll have to replace it regularly. A wall-mounted cutter has fresh air behind the blade.

Safety - Handling large sheets of glass horizontally can be hazardous and regards boards, when running a blade along a straight edge there's a risk of the blade jumping over the straight edge and across your fingers. With a wall mounted cutter your hands are nowhere near the business end .... well, 'hand' - you only need one.

Speed - On a bench - glass shards/dust will have to be brushed away to prevent scratching; on a wall mounted cutter gravity takes care of that. Boards and glass can be turned vertically behind a clamp instead of lifted and turned unsupported or swivelled. For double mounts both boards can be cut at the same time - even triples and/or if you use foam board or artback/corricor as a frame backing, you can cut mount, under-mount and backing together in one hit. After scoring glass on a bench you have to slide it to the edge of the bench to snap it .... or something. With a wall mounted cutter you just score it and then give it a push.

[Not your average framer]

I have worked from day one with a wall mounted cutter, although where I first worked we had a wall mounted cutter and a glass cutting bench and I'm equally at home with both. However, I would never willingly be without my wall mounted cutter.

It has an enormous effect upon your accuracy, efficiency and speed of working. If you can, I suggest that you get one! I assure you that you won't regret it. Mine is a secondhand Keencut System 4000 and it works just fine!

If you must buy new, try the Fletcher Terry, before you make your choice, they had one where I used to work and it was the business! If I was not limited by available funds at the time I started up, I would have bought a Fletcher Terry from day one!

[Kathy]

Thanks for all the replies.
Will try to source a second hand wall mounted cutter.


Kathy

[Moglet]

Speed .... For double mounts both boards can be cut at the same time - even triples and/or if you use foam board or artback/corricor as a frame backing, you can cut mount, under-mount and backing together in one hit.

Kept that one quiet for a long time, dinchya! Could have used a shneaky little tip like that to great advantage in a former life. No wonder you're uberspeedy! :p


Welcome to the Forum, Kathy!

Can't recommend sheet cutters highly enough. I got an Excalibur 5000 from day one. Even though I wasn't as creative in using it as dear Robo, it still it was an absolute godsend for a solo operator; time is money (and all that jazz!).

Fletcher do a similar product. Get thee to a Lion Catalogue and have a look at what's available.