Is there a glass cutting tool that works well on vintage glass panes?

Question

I've tried cutting glass with the old hardware-store-variety glass cutting tool years ago with little success. Bad tool? No experience? I don't know. Now I have an old 1920s house and a number of spare old wavy glass panes and would like to cut these to fit. Is it hopeless or is there a tool, like a new variety, that would work? Thanks!

Answer 1

He's pretty much right on. I would also add that you can use a cheap glass cutter as long as it is a brand new one. Just make sure you run a coat of oil on the line to be cut before using it.

Oh, and break the glass quickly after it is scored. Don't ask me why, but glass is weird and will actually "heal" itself after 15 minutes or so, making the break unpredictable.

Also, placing the glass flat on a table and putting the scored edge (facing up) on the edge of table and, with one hand on the glass on the table, press down on the other end to be removed. This snapping of the glass has proved much better on old glass than trying to "run" the glass, in our opinion.

Or, take it to a glass shop. Most shops charge a few bucks a cut, some even do it for free. Just remember them when you need to buy something :)

Good luck, and there is always the chance it's gonna break...just be prepared. If it does, "seeded glass" is very close to some antique glass in texture and appearance.

Answer 2

Get a professional cutting tool with an oil reservoir in the handle, like Toyo.
Make one firm, straight cut making sure it goes right to both ends then, holding the glass with one hand each side of the cut, thumbs on top and the fingers underneath, just bend the glass on both sides of the cut firmly but gently downwards. If the glass is thin it should break neatly along the line
If this fails tap gently along the glass on the underside of the cut with the end of the glass cutter and the cut will deepen until the glass breaks in two.
Old glass often has stress fractures which makes cutting difficult.