The Framers Forum

Is it possible to put too much oil on a glass cutter before cutting? I’ve got a Toyo TC-17. I dip it in glass oil, but it’s only after I’ve done a few strokes with it on some spare glass that it will cut, and then it’s fine. In those first few strokes, it makes the most horrible grinding noise. This has only been happening in the last two or three weeks, and I’m not aware of putting more oil on than usual, but in any case, I don’t see why excess oil would make the wheel make a grinding noise and not cut. Can anyone throw any light on this?

First of all, clean the glass. Any grease or grime is going to cause the cutting wheel to skid. I've never used any oil with my Toyo cutters. I just keep the cutter stored in 1/2" of white spirit, shake it off before cutting and always get a clean score without forcing it into the glass. Perhaps the oil is causing it to skid?

Thanks for that advice, I'll try that.

Try cleaning the cutter, with oil you might be picking up dust etc, so the wheel is not turning, just skidding along the glass, have a close-up look at the wheel, see if there is a gap above the wheel, if not poke it out use a unbent paper-clip, then leave it to soak in white spirit

Keep well

Thanks Steve. There was a bit of gunge that I've now removed. I need to get the white spirit that you've both recommended but will have to wait now until the shops re-open.

If necessary you can probably use lighter fluid, or even some olive oil, or vegetable oil, until you can get the right stuff.

Thanks Mark. It's probably not critical now as I've stopped taking jobs for the time being in view of the situation.

I'm isolating myself, because I've got pre-existing health issues, but I'm planning on sneeking into into the back door of my shop and doing a little bit mainly to keep amused, but the shop will be closed. I've been hospitalized immediately following my stroke and spent some time after that recovering at home, so staying in doors and not going out, is something that I'm already used to doing anyway and not going out for the next 12 weeks is no big deal.

I hope that you and yours will be o.k. and wish you all the best,

Mark