Using Glass Saws
The use of glass saws for cutting fusing and stained glass items is increasing, a number of glass saws are now available at a reasonable cost for the home glass artist.
One of the major saws in use today is the band saw, it can be used for both fusing glass and stained glass work.
Band saws are available in a range of sizes and styles. A steel ribbon blade with a diamond-coated edge is used to cut the glass.
Glass is cut by gently pushing it into the blade, due to the flexibility of the blade intricate patterns and shapes can be cut.
The more expensive saws are capable of cutting thicker pieces of glass than the general range of other saws. Cheaper saws are generally not suited to heavy duty cutting.
Saws require a steady flow of water for cooling, most saws have a water tank which is used to cool the blade by various means.
Water spray can be a problem as the water is thrown out by the blade.
On the other hand, saws can cut stacked pieces of unfused and fused glass that cannot be cut by normal glass cutters.
Using narrow profile blades, saws can cut intricate patterns and shapes that would be impossible to do by hand. Roughly textured glass can be easily cut on a band saw.
Band saws from some makers can be ordered as a standard 110 volt model or international voltage of 220 volts.
Accessories supplied with saws may include guides for straight and angle cutting.
Remember to wear safety glasses when using any type of glass saw.
Care needs to be taken when deciding on a saw, as apart from the original outlay, the cost of replacement parts and blades should be considered.
You can find the prices for these items online; you will then be able to compare different brands and types of saws.
As a general rule band saws have fewer moving parts than ring saws and are cheaper to maintain.
It
is a good idea to search online glass forums for information on
different saws to gather information from various users about their
saws.
