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How to Do Stained Glass - Glass Cutting 105: Cutting Glass with Patterns


Glass Cutting Problems << Previous          Next >> Glazing Stained Glass

Methods for cutting shapes
You can cut a piece of glass to shape in several ways. Before you pick up the glass cutter for a piece of glass to shape the first time, you should familiarize yourself with these different methods. You might like to try all of them to find the one that suits you best. I have used them all at one time or another.

If the glass is transparent, you may put the piece of glass onto the pattern and follow the line of the pattern with your glass cutter.
Other methods
Other methods
You may cut a copy of the paper pattern into pieces to use as stencils. You may then hold the pattern piece on the glass and cut around it with your glass cutter. (You must make an extra copy of your pattern so your original will be left intact.)

After cutting out the paper pattern, you may trace it onto the glass with a glass marking crayon. Or you may place the pattern under the glass and, looking through, trace the pattern lines onto it. In either event, you can then score the glass along the crayon mark.
Special tools
Special tools
When you progress into more intricate work, you will need to make allowance for the lead came or copper foil which is used in assembling the glass, and you will need to cut the glass smaller by this amount. In these instances, the paper pattern will need to be trimmed to make this allowance. Special tools are available to do this. A double-bladed pattern shear is the usual choice of the professional. This tool removes a 1/16" fillet of paper when used to cut a pattern into stencils.


Glass Cutting Problems << Previous          Next >> Glazing Stained Glass



Pattern Shears for Foil by Aanraku
Pattern Shears for Foil by Aanraku
Item no: 6793A
Aanraku Glass Studios item: TSF
Retail price: $11.00 /each
6 or more $9.90 (10% discount)
12 or more $8.80 (20% discount)
In stock:  12  (units: each)
Click to view or buy this item
 

This version of the double-bladed stencil shears removes a strip of paper approximately 1/32" wide from the pattern, which is all the allowance that is needed when cutting stencils for copper foil work. These nifty inventions improve upon the old method, which was to tape two single-edge razor blades together and run it along the the pattern line, all the while trying not to cut yourself, nor destroy your tabletop. Ah, the conveniences of modern life! Stainless steel blades. Imported.

Pattern Shears for Foil by Studio Pro
Pattern Shears for Foil by Studio Pro
Item no: 6793S
Diamond Tech item: 604
Retail price: $11.40 /each
6 or more $10.26 (10% discount)
12 or more $9.12 (20% discount)
In stock:  30  (units: each)
Click to view or buy this item
 

This version of the double-bladed stencil shears removes a strip of paper approximately 1/32" wide from the pattern, which is all the allowance that is needed when cutting stencils for copper foil work. These nifty inventions improve upon the old method, which was to tape two single-edge razor blades together and run it along the the pattern line, all the while trying not to cut yourself, nor destroy your tabletop. Ah, the conveniences of modern life! Stainless steel blades. Imported.

Pattern Shears for Lead
Pattern Shears for Lead
Item no: 6792
Diamond Tech item: 605
Retail price: $10.68 /each
6 or more $9.61 (10% discount)
12 or more $8.54 (20% discount)
In stock:  29  (units: each)
Click to view or buy this item
 

Cutting your pattern apart with lead shears removes a strip of paper 1/16" wide from the pattern to allow for the lead. Projects fit together properly without "growing". Precision ground stainless steel blades.

Nervo Stained Glass Pattern Shears for Lead #4200
Nervo Stained Glass Pattern Shears for Lead #4200
Item no: 6845N
Retail price: $2.95
In stock:  27 
Special order item, limited supply on hand, 7-10 day delay if you want more.
Click to view or buy this item
 
This tool removes 1.88mm of paper between the blades to allow for the lead came. Used by studios since early times, they are almost indispensable for any intricate pattern work. 8" long. Imported.
Schablonenscheren (Double Bladed Pattern Shears)
Schablonenscheren (Double Bladed Pattern Shears)
Item no: 6845
Retail price: $4.75
In stock:  Plenty 
Special order item, limited supply on hand, 7-10 day delay if you want more.
Click to view or buy this item
 

Be a Schablonenscherenmeister! This tool removes 1.75mm of paper between the blades to allow for the lead came. Used by studios since early times, they are almost indispensable for any intricate pattern work. 8" long. Imported.