Re: Cutting circular holes in glass

Subject:

Comments:
: There are several variations on this that might help, and of course there are the "higher tech" methods using tools like the Taurus 2.2 ringsaw with the new blade that opens in the middle. : Just to get it out of the way we'll talk about the saws first. : First drill a hole in the glass near the edge of the hole. (This can be done easily using the diamond glass drills from Glastar. They fit into the chuck of a regular hand drill.) Then just thread the open ringsaw blade through the hole and cut the hole out. Then open the blade and remove it and you're done, as easy as that. : The same thing can be accomplished with the Gryphon wire saw, you don't even have to open the blade up with that one, but I'm told that it doesn't cut as fast, though I have never used it myself. : Next variation still uses the glass drill, but not the saw. First score the line for the inner circle. Next you drill three holes at equi-distant points just inside the desired hole. (If you were to draw lines between the three holes they'd describe an equilateral triangle.) Now you can open the score lines around the inner hole, I do it by prying with my breaking pliers to spread the score line, but you can use the Morton safety break, M-80, or just tap it if that's what you're used to. : Once the line is open all around make score lines across the middle, from each of the drilled holes to another of the drilled holes. Make straight lines that go straight across from hole to hole, and others that curve toward the middle of the hole and curve back out again to meet the other hole, and tap till the glass crumbles out. : By having all of the lines end in the drilled holes you remove the risk that the lines will run past the edge and across the ring. : The final method I'll discuss doesn't require that you drill holes. You score the hole for the center circle and as before you open the score line all the way around the circle. : Next you score arc lines that follow near the arc of the score line. Begin each one at the inner score and create an arc, much like the ones you would cut as you work your way into a deep cut. Create a series of these arc scores all around the inside of the ring. You can cut a couple of layers of them. The idea being that they will allow the glass next to the ring to break out without any of the lines aiming straight across your ring, so there is minimal risk of one of the lines running across it. Finally, you can cut your familiar criss cross lines in the middle. : Make sure that you open the arc score lines up first before you start to make the criss crosses open. : Hope you can follow this. : Gary Dodge : : Hi, : : I'm from Bangalore, India and would like to know the best way to cut large(at least five inches : : diameter) circular holes in glass. I am using a diamond circle cutter and score criss cross : : pattern in the center before tapping out the glass. Is there a particular pattern to be followed : : in the scoring for best results? Right now i get one piece OK in four or five and would like : : do better. : : Best regards, : : Sharif

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL: