Abrasive Tools For
Glassworkers
Using abrasive tools such as abrasive stones or diamond hand pads to clean and smooth fused glass is a necessary part of the cold working process.
Rough edges can be present after cutting and may need to be cleaned up before glass fusing. Rather than using a grinder there are a number of simple tools that can be used for this.
The following tools are light weight and easily handled. Stain glass artists also use thes tools quite extensively.
ABRASIVE STONE. This is a stone, which resembles a file with teeth running across the face of the stone,it is approximately 10 inches long. It is used like a file to remove rough spots and smooth the edges of your glass pieces.
After prolonged use these stones begin to wear out as grooves appear in the stone. Once this occurs throw away and buy another one.
DIAMOND FILE. Shaped like a file with a wooden handle these are quite good at removing small amounts of material and smoothing edges. These super fine files are approximately 6 inches long.
DIAMOND HAND PADS. Available in 4 different grit sizes and that be bought separately or as a set of four.
DIAMOND HAND PADS. Available in 4 different grit sizes and can be bought separately or as a set of four.
COARSE (60 grit). Green hand pad is best for removing larger quantities of material and rough shaping.
MEDIUM-COARSE (120 grit). Black hand pad for rough smoothing.
MEDIUM–FINE (200grit). Red hand pad for intermediate smoothing.
FINE (400 grit). Yellow hand pad for final smoothing and removing small needle points from edges of fused glass.
The surface of each pad has a plated diamond abrasive surface that is permanently glued to the semi-flexible foam support pad.
The pads can be used wet or dry; in order to prolong the life of the pads it is advisable to always use wet.
All the above abrasive tools can be used to clean up the rough edges that may be present after an item is removed from the glass fusing kiln.
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