How to Cut the Different Shapes of Stained Glass

by Roger
(USA)

Q: How to cut the different shapes of stained glass?

A: You asked a really good question about cutting the different shapes of glass.

There are several ways to cut the glass...

After you have marked the pattern on the right side (textured side of the glass)-then you are ready to cut the glass.

Turn the glass to the back side (smooth side).

-If it is a straight cut - you use your stained glass cutter tool to score the glass firmly from one edge to another. This will not break the glass.

You can break the glass by using the edge of your work bench. Hold the glass in one hand, putting the score on the edge of your stained glass work bench.

Press down firmly with the bottom of the glass and this will break the glass. This is best done on a large piece of glass.

Another method would be - score the piece then apply the pliers perpendicular to the score (in the middle of the score line- along the edge)- press down on the pliers to break the glass.

- If you are cutting a curved area - score along the pattern line with the glass cutter. Then turn the cutter around to the metal ball on the other end. Tap the ball along the score line, under the glass until the glass breaks.

You do need to very careful with a thin or pointed area - these types of cuts take time and patience. Tapping is the best method for these areas.

Remember to only score your glass piece once - so the glass knows where to break.

To get a visual check out the stained glass video tutorial - Randy has a short section on cutting glass- this video is free.

Rent how to stained glass DVD's from SmartFlix to perfect your techniques

We do have available, videos- 1 grinding/foiling and 1-soldering. Check it out- you can find a link on our home page.

You may also want to check out the tutorial on the copper foil stained glass method for additional tips!

Hope this helps. Be sure to share your stained glass making with us!

If you have a comment or tip for Roger, leave it below...