cleaning oil cutter?

by Mary
(Ft. Pierce, FL)

I have a very old pencil type oil cutter (probably 30 yrs old) I never used it much because it didn't flow well.....which I now know was user error. I didn't regulate the flow by opening the lid part way. Anyway, the cutter has been stored away (probably with oil in it)and I wonder if I should clean it out prior to putting oil in it. IF I should clean it HOW do I clean it?
Thank you

Answer

I had a cutter with a similar problem. It hadn't been used for many years and the inside was stained from oil being left in it. I tried cleaning it out by runing alcohol through it, but the results were definitely not spectacular! However, the cutter did work when I filled it with more oil, it just looked terrible.

I have since learned to dip my cutter in oil rather than filling it. I use less oil that way, and I don't have to worry about regulating the flow. I use a baby food jar with a sponge cut to fit the bottom. I soak the sponge with oil and just push the cutter wheel in the sponge prior to scoring. I dab it on a folded paper towel to get rid of any excess oil, then procede to score my glass. I can do quite a few scores (probably 8 to 10) before I need to dip again. Dipping might be the best way for you to deal with your problem if you can't get it cleaned out.