Bad cuts

I'm working on my second stained glass project. My first was very bad. I thought I had learned a lot but it seems my second is going in the same direction. My cuts are bad. NO matter how much I try to follow directions and advise, I just don't have the knack. Am getting discouraged. Its an expensive hobby ..especialy if your quality is awful. Any suggestions?

Answer

I know you don't want to hear this, but you need to practice, practice, practice. Get some plain window glass to practice on. It's cheap, and easier to cut than stained glass. You can often get small pieces for free from your local window glass business.

Once you feel comfortable cutting window glass, move on to stained glass. I'd suggest starting on Spectrum glass (a brand of stained glass). It is next easiest to window glass for cutability.

Another suggestion is to try a different style glass cutter. The one you're using might be awkward for you. There are several different styles to choose from. Your local stained glass shop should have some that you could try out.

You might get some useful ideas from these pages on my web site: Cutting Glass and Your Glass Cutter

On this page Pencil Grip Cutter one section shows how I pull the cutter towards me instead of pushing it away. For me, that's the easiest way to cut. People seem to either love it or hate it. Give it a try...it might make glass cutting easier for you. If you try it, make sure you follow the instructions on how to hold the cutter exactly as they are written.

Good luck with your glass cutting, and let us know how you're doing in the comments section below.