✅ What kind of oil to pour into an oil glass cutter

If you have ever encountered the need to cut glass, then you know firsthand that this delicate process requires a special tool. One of the most popular types of devices that can cope with such an operation is an oil glass cutter. This ergonomic tool has proven itself to be a reliable and effective assistant in glass work on a domestic and industrial scale. How and what an oil roller glass cutter works and what you need to know when purchasing and using it. We will tell and show you in detail in this article.

How and what to fill and how to work with an oil glass cutter?

The oil glass cutter has relatively recently appeared in the arsenal of glass cutters. In principle, this is the same roller glass cutter, equipped with the function of automatically supplying lubricant to the cutting element. The oil reservoir is combined with the handle of the glass cutter, and the liquid flows through the wick directly to the roller, simultaneously lubricating its axis.

This system makes it possible to reduce friction in the roller axis, ensuring its smooth movement, and binds the smallest particles of glass that are formed during the cutting process.

In order for an oil glass cutter to work correctly, it must be filled with special oil. This oil has one important feature - it is washed off with water!, and in addition, it does not flow from the roller axis and the roller itself and does not spread on the glass.

Of course, instead of special oil, you can use other types of oils, including spindle oil, as long as it has fluidity that can be freely supplied through the wick to the cutting element. You can use turpentine, kerosene, white spirit, etc.

But such a replacement is extremely undesirable because:

firstly, as mentioned above, all these substances are difficult to remove from glass. You will have to allocate additional time and money to purchase special liquids to clean it from grease stains.

secondly, the use of such substitutes will render your instrument inoperable in a very short time.

Special oils used for oil glass cutters:

Silberschnitt, Milli M2000, T-3133, BOHLE, EnviroGOLD, Novacan Cutter Oil, etc.

Oil is poured into the reservoir handle to 2/3 of the full volume. To ensure that the oil flows evenly and correctly during operation, its flow is regulated using a cap. By turning the cap in one direction or the other, you ensure that you get an even and wet strip on the glass. At the end of the work, if a long break is not expected, the oil can be left in the glass cutter, otherwise it is better to drain the oil.

The basic techniques for cutting and preparing material when working with an oil glass cutter are the same as with a diamond one. (See here, on RemOtvet).

And finally, a short video on the topic.

An oil glass cutter is not much more difficult to use than a regular roller cutter. The principles of handling them are the same, with the only difference being that an oil glass cutter (as the name implies) also has a supply of lubricating fluid to the cutting site.

What to fuel. The most budget-friendly option for a lubricant for an oil glass cutter is motor oil diluted with regular kerosene in a one-to-one ratio. Anyone can make this kind of lube. Oil with kerosene has a lower viscosity due to which it penetrates the roller and at the same time does not lack lubricating properties. Engine oil with kerosene does not affect the life of the roller in any way, nor does it affect the quality of the cut. The only disadvantage of such a cocktail is that it is more difficult to wash with water.

Special oils for oil glass cutters are no better in their lubricating properties than oil diluted with kerosene, but they are several times more expensive. Their undeniable advantage is that they are water-soluble and wash off well, because they consist of heavy esters with an oily consistency. If you nevertheless made a choice in favor of a special product for an oil glass cutter, then T-3133 oil, made in Russia, is quite suitable as it. The price for two hundred grams is no more than 250 rubles. For a home craftsman, this jar will last for ten years. It washes off without leaving streaks. From abroad there is a good liquid SOGEVER 1000 FG. This one does not require rinsing at all, it evaporates completely on its own. True, it costs about five thousand per liter. I didn't see it in a small container. Mainly used for automatic glass cutting and critical glass contour cutting (wave cutting) work.

How to work? An oil glass cutter, unlike a roller (dry) or diamond cutter, requires a minimum of preparatory work - just pour lubricating fluid into the handle of the tool. The rules for cutting with an oil glass cutter are the same as for others - the glass must be clean, laid on a flat, hard surface. Before the end of the cut, release the pressure. You can’t make one cut several times—you’ll ruin the roller. Glass with a thickness of more than 5 millimeters must be cut on both sides, two cuts opposite each other.

Choosing a glass cutter

From the cutting technology it is clear that this tool must have some kind of sufficiently hard working element capable of leaving a relatively deep scratch on the glass. Depending on the material and design of this main element, the following types of glass cutters can be distinguished:

diamond glass cutters
roller glass cutters
oil glass cutters

The design of a diamond glass cutter is very simple: a diamond grain is securely attached to the metal head of the glass cutter, which is actually the main working element of the product. This model was the very first among glass cutters and is now considered one of the best, which has not lost its relevance even with the advent of modern high-strength materials. A diamond glass cutter is capable of cutting sheet glass up to 10mm thick, and its “mileage” is at least 10,000m. Along with glass cutters equipped with natural diamond, there are tools with synthetic diamonds. They are much cheaper and no less effective in operation. However, for such instruments there is a certain limitation on the thickness of the glass - it should not exceed 5mm.

When choosing a diamond glass cutter for home use, you should know that these tools are available with two types of cutters: with a tetrahedral pyramid and with a curved cutting edge. The first ones are intended for experienced carvers, the second ones are easier for non-professionals to handle. It should also be noted that diamond glass cutters, notable for their ease of use (light movement, without pressure, draw a line along a ruler), also have a certain problem - they are guaranteed to only make a straight cut.

Roller glass cutters successfully cope with shaped cuts, but require certain skills in operation. Their main working element is a roller made either of a hard alloy (tungsten-cobalt) or of specially processed steel of a certain grade. In any case, the hardness of the roller must be sufficient to guarantee “scratching” of the glass. A distinctive feature of steel rollers is their longer service life, since steel holds a sharpened edge longer, and accordingly the roller lasts longer. True, this feature is valid only for steel rollers made in Europe. The most common models are those with one, three or six rollers. When one cutting element becomes dull, it is replaced by another. When used skillfully, roller glass cutters can quite successfully cut glass up to 10mm thick.

More durable and more professional is a roller glass cutter with automatic lubrication - an oil glass cutter. It is a handle-reservoir with a head movably mounted on a spring mechanism. The reservoir is filled with lubricant. As a lubricant, manufacturers recommend using liquid oils or a mixture of kerosene and machine oil in a 1:1 ratio, but as experience shows, it is quite possible to get by with just kerosene or diesel fuel. The glass cutter head is assembled in such a way that when the roller is pressed and moved along the glass, lubricant is supplied to the roller. This system reduces roller friction, and therefore increases the service life of the tool. In addition, the lubricant ensures smooth movement of the glass cutter, as well as binding of the smallest glass particles formed during the process of running the cutter along the surface of a fragile material. As a result, cutting is noticeably easier.

Oil glass cutter

An oil glass cutter is one of the most popular tools for cutting glass. This is explained by its ease of learning and use, as well as its low cost. This type occupies a middle position between the most economical, but limited in cutting capabilities, roller glass cutters and the more expensive and difficult to operate, but professional diamond ones. Its power is enough for home use and small industries, which makes it the best choice when purchasing in the vast majority of cases.

Oil or diamond glass cutter: which is better?

Often when renovating an apartment or house there is a need to cut glass. The choice of tool with which this procedure is performed depends on the quality of the cut. What kind of glass cutters are there and which one is better to choose? Let's try to figure this out.

Tools are classified according to the type of cutting head and purpose. Among the most commonly used are oil and diamond glass cutters. Each of them has its own advantages, disadvantages and features of use.

Oil glass cutter device

In its design, an oil glass cutter is similar to a conventional roller cutter and, in fact, this is only the next step in the evolution of this device for cutting glass.

The working body is a disk made of tungsten or cobalt alloy. Such chemical compounds are characterized by increased hardness and are widely used in the creation of cutting tools.

The roller is fixed on a metal holder, the connection is designed so that it can rotate freely around its center, but at the same time, deviations to the sides during movement are minimal, and an even, neat cut remains behind the tool on the glass. The working head of the oil glass cutter is made monolithic, so that when the service life of the cutting disk is exhausted, it is completely replaced. The standard package includes two tips; the rollers on them differ in sharpening angle: 135º and 150º. The first is suitable for cutting glass up to 10 mm thick, the second - for thicker ones.

The handle of the oil glass cutter contains a built-in container for lubricant and a mechanism for supplying it to the working head. This device differs significantly from dry roller cutters. The liquid entering the working area reduces the friction forces arising during operation, increasing the service life and reducing the formation of microcracks.

Glass cutters and their types

First of all, you need to decide which glass cutter you need to work with in your particular case. Diamond tools are highly trusted among professionals. They use diamond heads that come in two shapes: square and beveled.

The first one is used by experienced craftsmen. Its cutting part is located at optimal angles to the axes of the glass cutter. Using such a tool requires some skill. If the tool is tilted incorrectly, there is a risk of getting a defective cut. You can determine how correctly the tool is positioned during the cutting process by hearing and feeling, but this requires some experience. The beveled diamond head is most often used by beginners, since its location is on the same axis with the tool itself, and this greatly simplifies its use.

Diamond heads are available in natural and synthetic types. When using natural stone, it is possible to cut glass with a thickness of 5 to 10 mm. Synthetic stones allow you to cut material whose thickness does not exceed 5 mm. They also differ in their level of wear resistance. Thus, natural stones are designed for a “run” of up to 10 km, and artificial stones for a shorter distance.

To cut glass at home, it is recommended to use a roller glass cutter. It has a cheaper cost than diamond ones, but at the same time it is easier to use and effectively meets household needs. It cannot be used for glass that is too thick, but these types of glass are rarely used at home, so using this glass cutter may be quite suitable for home needs. Its “run” can be about 350 m, after which it requires sharpening or changing the roller.

It is also worth noting the use of oil glass cutters. They work on the same principle as roller ones, but are more advanced. The tool holder contains a vessel containing oil liquid. It is necessary for feeding the glass and the cutting element when cutting the material. This helps reduce friction and improve the quality of the cut. At the same time, this tool can be used for cutting glass, the thickness of which is about 20 mm.

It is worth considering that when working with glass whose thickness does not exceed 10 mm, it is necessary to use cutters with a sharpening angle of 135 degrees. For thick glass with a thickness of 10 to 20 mm, cutters with sharpening angles of 150 degrees are used.

It is especially worth noting another type of glass cutter - circular. This is a kind of suction cup and a rod on which a scale and an oil glass cutter are located. Using this device is quite easy. The suction cup must be fixed in the center of the circle that will be processed, then set the value with a certain radius on the bar, and then use the cutting element. Thanks to this design, you can not only obtain correctly cut circles on glass, but also remove pieces of glass from the thickness of the sheet without much difficulty.

How to choose an oil glass cutter

When choosing an oil glass cutter, pay attention to the following things:

The tool purchased must be suitable for the intended job. Oil glass cutters cut glass up to 20 mm thick; thicker sheets are processed on special laser or hydraulic machines.
The cutting roller should sit securely in the holder, the gap between them should be minimal. This design will reduce the movement of the cutter to the sides when cutting.
An important point is the ease of grip, which is ensured by the corrugated surface of the handle and the polymer coating.

A normal requirement would be to ask the seller to demonstrate the operation of the tool. During the test, make sure that the cut line is thin and even. And also during the cutting process there should be no extraneous squeaking.

Guide and useful tips for working with an oil glass cutter

If you are a beginner, practice on scraps of glass before you start. Keep in mind that the cutting line must be done in 1 attempt. Repeated approaches in most cases lead to damage to the material.

Working with an oil glass cutter is very simple - you just need to take it at the base of the handle and, without much effort, draw the desired line under the ruler. A cracking sound will be heard when moving.

Working with an oil glass cutter is very simple - you just need to take it at the base of the handle and smoothly draw the desired line under the ruler.

Control the pressure. You don't need to press too hard on the cutter, but confidently. Approximately 0.5 cm before the edge of the glass, release the pressure, otherwise the cutting part of the tool may be damaged.

You should end up with a fairly deep whitish line. Do not press too hard on the glass cutter, as this may cause the edges of the workpiece to crumble. You cannot cut more than once under one line: this will dull the glass cutter.

For most beginners, the most difficult stage of the work is breaking off the cut part from the main workpiece.

The rule is simple: break in the direction opposite to the scratch. If the glass does not give way immediately, do not cut it again.

You just need to tap the handle of the tool on the opposite side of the workpiece, from the edge of the sheet. Having noticed a crack on the glass, you need to “bring” it by tapping to the other edge.

At the same time, support the workpiece, because during tapping it may break off on its own. Over time, you will learn to make lines that will break the glass on its own without you having to put in extra effort. Try to minimize the number of fragments. Don't throw away the remaining pieces of glass: once you master the techniques of cutting glass, you will probably find a use for them.

What kind of oil to pour into a glass cutter

Kerosene, white spirit, turpentine, Vaseline solution and other liquids can be used as a lubricant for a glass cutter. However, their use is associated with additional inconveniences: strong odor, greasy marks on the glass surface, and reduced service life of the instrument. Oils with high viscosity, such as machine oil, will cause the greatest harm to the glass cutter, so their use is highly undesirable.

Therefore, it would be more correct to use compounds specially designed for oil-based glass cutters. Here are some names: T-3133, Milli M2000, BOHLE, Novacan Cutter Oil, Silberschnitt, Acecut 5503. Glass cutter fluid has optimal fluidity and does not create puddles on the glass.

Another important advantage is that they are washed off without residue with plain water. Due to its viscosity, glass cutter oil is supplied to the working area at the required speed.

Preparing for work

Cutting glass with a glass cutter is a responsible task that requires some preparation. It is necessary to prepare the place where cutting will be carried out, and the material itself that will be subjected to it:

The surface on which the sheet of glass should lie must be perfectly flat. During cutting, significant pressure is applied to the glass. If somewhere there is an unevenness, a dip or a difference in height, the glass may simply crack in an unpredictable place, and the crack will be branched and ruin the entire workpiece.
It is better not to place glass directly on a metal or wooden surface, as they may scratch each other, and the glass may slip or move. Lay a piece of fabric, thick film or rubber - this will soften the surface and improve grip.
The glass surface must be clean. For minor stains, rinse with water and wipe dry. Use paper towels or old newspapers for this so as not to leave lint on the glass. Remove heavy stains with kerosene, white spirit or acetone.

How to use an oil glass cutter

Before starting work, the workplace is set up. The cutting table is large and level. The surface of the countertop is cleaned with a brush, throwing down all existing debris, after which it is covered with a cloth to protect it. Place a box for glass scraps in a convenient place on the floor. Only after this the glass sheet is placed on the table.

The glass is wiped with a rag to remove dust; sometimes the workpiece has to be washed, after which it is wiped. Next comes the degreasing process so that the glass cutter does not slip during operation. A suitable organic solvent is used. Then you need to wait; only completely dry workpieces are allowed to work.

At this time, you can thread your glass cutter. Oil is poured into the handle to approximately 2/3 of the height of the tank. The liquid flow rate is adjusted by turning the cap. For such debugging, they take an unnecessary piece of glass and strive to obtain the highest quality cut line. In order for the liquid to flow into the working area, pressure is applied to the tool from above.

To work, you will additionally need a guide ruler and a glass-graph for marking. The sheet of glass is ruled, and plywood patterns are prepared in advance to outline complex shapes. There are two important points to consider during the marking and cutting process:

You should always work with a smooth surface; when cutting glass with a pattern, place it with the back side up.
The cutting line and the edge of the guide ruler do not coincide by several millimeters. The exact distance between them depends on the tool model. For oil glass cutters it is usually 1–2 mm.

Experienced craftsmen often resort to an alternative marking method, where they mark the surface of a table or a fiberboard placed under glass. Transparent material does not block the markings from view.

To cut glass, the tool is placed on the edge of the sheet farthest from itself at an angle of about 90º to its surface. The glass cutter is lightly pressed down from above and guided towards you along the guide. The angle of the tool in relation to the glass is kept constant so that the cutting line is even. The operator's pressure becomes slightly less at the beginning and end of the cut at a distance of approximately 5 mm from the edge of the sheet. As a result, the operator should get a thin whitish stripe along the entire length.

Next comes the stage that causes the greatest difficulties for inexperienced craftsmen, this is breaking off part of the glass sheet. A small rod is placed under the cutting line, it can be a knitting needle, a match, a glass cutter handle... Then the operator presses on top of both halves of the glass with his hands, as a result of which the sheet breaks. This can be quite difficult to do due to insufficient cutting depth. Then the glass is lifted and lightly tapped along the marked line with the same glass cutter or a hammer in a rubber cage. At this moment, the workpiece is held so that not a single part of it falls to the floor when disconnected. There is an alternative way. One side of the glass is hung over the edge of the table, setting the cutting line parallel to the edge of the tabletop at a distance of about 5 mm, and then this part of the sheet is sharply pulled down. When the required dimensions have been obtained, the edge of the glass along the entire perimeter is sanded with sandpaper or a diamond-coated sponge; those who want to speed up the process can take a drill with a grinding attachment.

Guide to action

When the surface and material are prepared, you can begin to work.
When cutting glass for the first time, the main thing is not to worry.

Safety is more important than results.

In addition, the calmer you cut, the smoother and smoother the cutting line will be. It is important to follow this sequence:

The first step is to mark the glass. To do this, you can use a folding meter, ruler or tape measure. Leave marks on the glass with a marker or felt-tip pen, which leaves a thin line, so the result will be more accurate.
It is also better to guide the glass cutter along a ruler. Remember that the ruler must be thick enough so that the cutter does not jump off when pressed and does not leave unnecessary cracks or scratches.
Taking the glass cutter in your working hand, hold the glass with the other so that they do not move.
Different types of glass cutters are tedious to hold in their own way. Apply light pressure and at the same time smoothly move the glass cutter along the entire cutting line.
Cutting must be carried out in one motion. If you have lost the pressure, there is no point in going through this place twice; it can only make things worse.
After the cutting line is drawn, you need to break off a piece of glass. To do this, the entire sheet is moved to the edge so that the separated part hangs in the air. Grab the edge of the glass and, with a gentle but firm movement, break it down.
The sharp edge at the breaking point can be ground with a fine diamond file or needle file. The main thing is not to put in a lot of effort.
If there are small pieces left that violate the geometry of the cut, you can try to break them off with pliers. Roller glass cutters have grooves in which, by inserting a piece of glass and pressing like a lever, you can remove small irregularities.

This sequence of actions has nuances if you use a certain type of glass cutter.

How to use a roller tool?

The roller glass cutter must be held strictly perpendicular to the surface of the glass being cut. The roller must cut with an edge, otherwise the cut will be less deep. You should also not tilt the tool towards or away from you - losses will occur due to the applied force.

The pressure with which you need to move the roller glass cutter along the line should not be very large, but not small either. You shouldn’t lean on the glass, but driving the video without applying force is a waste. When cutting, you should hear a slight constant cracking sound, this is a sign of normal line progress.

How to use an oil tool?

Since the working cutter in an oil glass cutter is also a roller, it is held in the same way as a roller. The pressure should also be sufficient. The advantage of an oil glass cutter is the lubricant that comes from the corresponding compartment in the handle. Professional tools use special lubricant. You can replace it with different substances, for example, fill it with spindle oil. Volatile liquids also work well: kerosene, white spirit. It is better not to use edible or car oil - it is too thick and viscous.

With the proper skill, lubrication prolongs the life of the roller in an oil glass cutter by tens of times compared to dry cutting.

How to use a diamond tool?

The diamond glass cutter differs from the previous ones in that it has no moving parts. The diamond cutter is rigidly fixed in the metal base of the tool. When cutting, the diamond glass cutter is held at an angle to the surface, with a slight inclination towards you. You need to apply less pressure on a diamond glass cutter than on a roller or oil cutter, so the comfortable grip is the same as when holding a fountain pen. The line remaining behind the cutter should be thin and colorless.

Helpful tip: Before breaking the glass, tap it on the back side with the handle or metal head of the glass cutter. You need to knock carefully, then you can see how an even crack spreads along the cut line throughout the entire thickness of the glass. After this, it will be much easier to break the remaining piece

Different types of glass and rules for working with them

Cutting the most common silicate glass up to 10 mm thick is usually not difficult. However, the material called glass has several variations in its chemical composition, production methods and design of the sheet itself. This is certainly worth taking into account when working.

Triplex. Consists of several layers of glass alternating with a protective film. The material is used where there is a high probability of mechanical damage, and the scattering of fragments is unacceptable, for example in cars. At home, cutting triplex is difficult, especially if it contains more than one film inside.
Strained glass. The material produced using this technology is stronger and harder, so working with it at home should be avoided. If the specified properties for glass are necessary, you can initially cut standard silicate glass and then send it for tempering.
Plexiglas and acrylic. A fairly soft material that any glass cutter can handle, as well as files, knives, etc. Plexiglas is lightweight and has good impact resistance, in other words, it does not break.
Glass with grooves and patterns. One side of this glass has a pattern in the form of embossing or a pattern. It is most often used to create decorative interior elements. Glass is cut from the smooth side. The standard thickness is 4 mm, patterned glass is easy to process.
Mirror. There is no fundamental difference in processing from standard glass, except that it needs to be cut from the side where there is no reflective film.

Rules for working with plexiglass

Plexiglas lends itself well to processing using a cutter, milling machine, or stationery knife. The tool is selected taking into account the thickness of the material. This transparent plastic has low thermal conductivity, which causes the edges of the cut to heat up quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to cool it before cutting. To eliminate cut roughness, use sandpaper.

To process fire-resistant material, special skills are required. Heat-resistant glass is presented in the form of a split system, for cutting which a grinder with a diamond blade is used. To prevent the product from splitting, pour oil over the cut line.

The grinder can be replaced by a machine with a diamond wheel, to which a cooling emulsion is continuously supplied. A corrugated product will be processed correctly on the flat side. To do this, use an oil-based or regular glass cutter and a soft cloth.

Safety precautions when working

The greatest dangers when cutting are the sharp edges of glass sheets and microscopic fragments formed during the work. Inexperienced craftsmen have a high risk of injury and bruises.

To prevent accidents, all work is carried out wearing protective glasses and gloves. Compliance with the established cutting technology helps to avoid accidental sheet bending and chipping. The basic rule here is that the glass cutter always passes along the intended line only once; if a cutting defect is detected, the operator retreats a short distance and makes a new attempt. It is customary for two people to work with large sheets; this greatly simplifies the transfer of fluid and its breaking; in production, workers learn to act harmoniously for greater efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.

Features of using an oil glass cutter

An oil glass cutter has several differences from a roller cutter and a diamond cutter, some of which can be attributed to advantages, and some to disadvantages.

When the cutting element interacts with the material, fewer microcracks and glass dust appear.
This type of tool can cut more than 5000 m of glass. With careful handling and regular oil changes, the service life increases even more.
Working with an oil glass cutter requires less physical effort from the operator, which, combined with a long service life, makes it more suitable for constant work.
Thanks to lubrication, the quality of the cut improves.
On average, cheaper than models with a diamond cutter.
Cuts glass up to 20 mm thick.
All people quickly master the oil glass cutter; it is much easier for them to work than a diamond glass cutter.

Constantly consumes lubricant. Additional time is taken by pouring liquid into the pen at the beginning and draining it after completion of work.
The design of the glass cutter head does not allow separate replacement of the cutting discs.

Types of glass cutters

Tools differ in several categories. According to the design, the glass cutter is:

diamond;
roller;
oil;
glass cutter compass;
victorious.

The type of glass cutter is:

fixed;
with rotating mandrel.

The cutter can be in the form:

pointed edge;
roller

Oil glass cutter

One of the most popular tools for cutting glass. A special feature is the presence of a small reservoir for oil, which is supplied to the cutting element automatically during operation. It is located in the handle, which has finger ridges for comfortable holding. When understanding what types of glass cutters there are, you need to know that oil cutters can work on glass up to 20 mm thick. When used, a lubricant is supplied from the reservoir, which reduces friction and wear on the cutting part.

In addition, due to the viscosity of the oil substance, small particles of cut material are collected during operation. For home use, use a device with a sharpening angle of 135°. Among the disadvantages, only high cost stands out. The advantages include:

ability to work with large volumes;
durability;
straight cut;
independent oil supply;
ease of use.

Diamond glass cutter

This tool works more accurately and accurately than others. Artificial or natural stone can be used in production. The first option can work with thicker glass. The working element is a solid diamond crystal, which comes in two types:

with a curved cutting edge;
in the shape of a pyramid.

The first is suitable for beginners, and the second for professionals with extensive experience. A diamond glass cutter is a device that has the following features:

making a thin cut;
sensitivity to shock loads;
the presence of a screw that helps change the working edge.

These glass cutters differ in the size of the stone:

small up to 0.05 carats for thin-leaved products;
large 0.11 carats for 10 mm glass.

Among the advantages are:

creating an even groove;
high-quality cut;
durability.

The disadvantages include:

presence of work experience;
high cost.

Roller glass cutter

The most common type. The cutting is performed with a rotating roller made of carbide material, such as tungsten carbide or high-speed steel. When researching which glass cutter to choose for glass, you need to know that there are models with one, three and six rollers. The latest products are considered the most durable, and they also allow you to work with large volumes of material. Another plus is the ergonomic handle. It can be presented:

pencil;
with a pistol.

In the first option, the pressure falls on the operator’s fingers, and in the second, on the elbow joint. The roller glass cutter can work with glass up to 6 mm thick. Among the positive qualities are:

low cost;
ease of use;
possibility of replacing the cutting element.

The disadvantages include:

poor groove quality;
small amount of work.

Compass glass cutter

The best tool for creating holes or shapes in the form of a circle or oval. The circular glass cutter is based on a circular mechanism. The supporting point is a suction cup, which fixes the entire structure on the glass plane. A scale and a cutting element are attached to it, moving along the latter to adjust the radius

For a quality cut, it is important to pre-select the radius on the measuring scales. The advantages of this glass cutter include:

the ability to cut holes and complex shapes;
ability to work with thick glass;
making the tool easier to use.

A glass cutter for thick glass has the following disadvantages:

the need for operator experience;
high cost.

Pobedite glass cutter

The cheapest tool option. A fixed pobedit cutter is used as a cutting element. It cannot be categorized as a good glass cutter for glass, but it is suitable for one-time use. Among the advantages are:

cheapness;
Suitable for single use.

The disadvantages include:

the need for constant sharpening;
poor groove quality;
not a neat cutting line.

Tips for cutting glass

Experienced craftsmen know how to get a high-quality cut, complete the job with a minimum of waste, etc. And so that beginners make fewer mistakes, we have prepared a small list of recommendations for working with a glass cutter:

If the mark left by the tool is too wide and there is a lot of dust around the edges, you need to apply less pressure on the glass cutter.
When breaking glass, it is better to take the unnecessary part over the edge of the table, so that it will break if the operator does not hold it.
If the glass is thicker than the glass cutter can cut, then cuts can be made on both sides. The main thing is to carefully turn the workpiece over before the second approach and try to ensure that both cuts coincide as much as possible.
Narrow strips are broken off using pliers.
After marking the cutting of the glass sheet, it is checked for compliance with the dimensions.
When it is necessary to cut out a complex shape, the prepared template is glued to the surface of the sheet with wax so that it does not move out.
The hole in the glass is made with hardened drills. If you don’t have one at hand, you can make it yourself. To do this, the tip of the drill is heated white-hot over an open fire and stuck into the sealing wax. When the resinous substance stops melting, the drill is pulled out and moistened with turpentine. They work with a hand drill, periodically wetting the drill with water or the same turpentine.
You should not immediately take on figure cutting and complex materials. To begin with, a beginner must gain experience cutting straight on ordinary silicate glass.
The choice of cutting method depends on the task at hand; besides glass cutters, there are other options and sometimes their use is more effective.

Oil-based models of glass cutters are the most versatile. The increased acquisition costs compared to a simple roller tool are more than offset by ease of use and increased service life.

How to cut glass without a glass cutter

You can cut glass without the help of a glass cutter. Very often the simplest scissors are used for this procedure. To cut fragile material with scissors, you need to place it in warm water and cut out pieces of the size you need under it. Ordinary glass will not be any more difficult to cut with scissors than cardboard or other durable paper.

If you need to cut a large piece of glass, you can place it in a large basin or bathtub. Then run the sharp part of the scissors along the glass and break off the unnecessary parts of the glass. To avoid cutting yourself on a sharp edge, be sure to wear gloves first. At the same time, it is also advisable to protect your eyes.

In this way you can cut glass no more than 3 mm. Shapes can only be cut with straight contours. It is imperative to prepare a template in advance and glue it to the glass using glue. It is worth noting one interesting point: the more water is above the glass, the easier it will be to cut the future product.

How to properly cut glass with an electric soldering iron video

You can also use twine, some hot liquid and a small vessel that needs to be filled with cold water. You need to make the necessary marks on the glass, then soak the string in alcohol or gasoline, fold it onto the marks and set it on fire. Immediately after the fire goes out, you need to pour a thin stream of water over the line. The glass must crack at this point. Then break off the glass along the crack that appears and sand all the edges with sandpaper. If no cracks appear, then you need to repeat the entire procedure again. You can cut very complex shapes this way, everything will depend on how you lay the twine.

Which glass cutter is better, a roller cutter or an oil cutter?

Some of the most affordable glass cutters are oil cutters and regular roller cutters. These glass cutters are quite suitable for household needs and they are very popular due to their low cost. Their price category is approximately the same and ranges from 200 to 300 rubles.

Last time I told you in detail how to cut glass correctly

, today we will discuss
which glass cutter is better, oil or roller
, considering their advantages and disadvantages. This article, first of all, will be useful for those who are not involved in professional cutting and, one might say, will be holding a glass cutter in their hands for the first time. But perhaps people with experience will also learn something useful for themselves.

First, let's look at the difference between a roller glass cutter and an oil glass cutter. And let's start with the roller.

Regular roller glass cutter

has a simple design: a plastic or wooden handle, a metal part with grooves that are used to break glass, and the main element - a roller (disk). These glass cutters can have up to 6 rollers. When one roller becomes dull, it is easy to replace it with another by unscrewing the drum. The resource of one cutting element is from 500 to 1000 m.

It was with this glass cutter that I began to master cutting glass and, to put it mildly, it was not an easy task, but more on that later.

Oil glass cutter

- This is a more improved version of the regular roller glass cutter. Its difference is that it has a container of oil, which continuously lubricates the cutting element (disk) during cutting. Instead of oil, you can also pour kerosene into the glass cutter. This lubrication system provides a number of advantages over a conventional roller glass cutter, which we will discuss below. The service life of the roller for an oil glass cutter is from 3 to 5 km.

And so, we have looked at the main differences between an oil glass cutter and a roller one, now let’s move on to the advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages of a conventional roller glass cutter.

When cutting glass with a roller glass cutter, considerable force must be applied. The glass cutter should be held perpendicularly, placing it completely in the palm of your hand.

When finishing the cut, it may happen that the edge of the glass breaks off a little. This is due to the strong pressure on the glass cutter.

When breaking glass, it often breaks not along the cut line. Beginners face all these problems when cutting glass with a roller glass cutter. Before learning how to cut, I shredded more than one glass.

Of course, professionals will not make such mistakes. Now I also cut glass with a roller glass cutter without any problems, but I had to gain experience.

Now let's move on to the oil glass cutter

. When cutting glass with an oil glass cutter, you do not need to apply much effort. You can hold the glass cutter with your fingers, like a writing pen, and slightly at an angle.

When the cut is completed, there is no chipping on the edge of the glass. At least this has never happened to me.

When breaking glass, in 99% of cases it breaks clearly along the cut line without any chips. Having tried an oil glass cutter, I realized that cutting glass is much easier with it. Moreover, it can easily cope with cutting thick glass and even tiles!

So, let's sum it up. With certain skills, a roller glass cutter is well suited for household needs, but personally I consider it obsolete. An oil glass cutter is much more convenient to work with, you need to put in less effort and in most cases the cut is perfect. It is perfect for both beginners and people with experience. Therefore, I advise you to use it.

What fluid to use for a glass cutter

An oil glass cutter is considered a fairly new and productive tool that allows you to effectively cut glass up to 2 cm thick, with one cutter being enough for approximately 5000 m of cutting. Structurally, this is an ordinary roller glass cutter, only improved by a special liquid lubricant supply system.

There is a reservoir in the handle of the tool, from which the lubricant goes directly to the cutting edge of the roller. This approach greatly reduces roller friction, increases tool life and efficiency, and ensures smooth, clean cuts.

Naturally, for use in a glass cutter, a special oil is required that meets certain requirements - sufficient viscosity, the required level of adhesion, etc. Fluid consumption when cutting is minimal, so you need to use the highest quality lubricant so as not to damage the glass cutter head.

Is it useful to buy oil for a glass cutter?

In most cases, special oil for glass cutters can be easily found in the same place where the tool itself is sold. Such specialized liquids are excellent for improving the quality of cutting various glasses, including mirror and automobile glasses. Also, if you use oil for a glass cutter, the life of the tool itself will be increased several times, and it will be easier to break the glass along the cut line.

Such liquids, for example Bohle BO 027, do not leave marks on the glass and are simply washed off with water after cutting the glass. High-quality oil for glass cutting is also characterized by low consumption - a small tube of 50 ml is enough to cut hundreds of meters of glass. For industrial use, the same liquids are used, but in much larger volumes. Under no circumstances is it recommended to replace original glass cutter oils with something like kerosene - such liquids do not provide the necessary characteristics at all, even if we are just talking about cutting a few pieces of glass at home.

Why is it beneficial to use a glass cutter compass?

For the layman, cutting glass is usually limited to strict straight lines - that's what regular glass cutters are designed for. However, even at home, sometimes you may need to make a round hole - for example, in order to install a lock in a glass door. To do this, it would be practical to use a glass cutter compass, or any other similar model. This is a tool of a more complex design, in which you can specify the desired diameter of the hole and cut them with movements characteristic of conventional compasses.

For greater efficiency, special liquids can also be used in such glass cutters. They can be pre-applied to the intended cutting area - this will allow you to make a deeper cut and save the life of the cutting edge. The most advanced models of circular glass cutters also have a built-in reservoir for supplying lubricating fluid.

Features of oil glass cutters

As the name implies, such models are distinguished by the fact that the working mechanisms are lubricated with oil. Otherwise, the tool resembles traditional roller glass cutters. Actually, due to the presence of automatic lubrication, this option is more profitable from the point of view of long-term or intensive use. The fact is that an oil roller glass cutter during operation does not involve strong friction of the working head, due to which the service life also increases. Conventional roller models, on the contrary, are free of a lubrication system and are therefore less durable. However, those who rarely deal with glass processing may well turn to the standard versions without lubrication. There are also diamond glass cutters. They do not require the use of oil, but at the same time have a long service life. True, oil analogues are cheaper.

Design and principle of operation

Externally, the tool resembles a large handle with a small reservoir, at the end of which a working head with a spring mechanism is fixed. The container contains the oil. As for the cutting head, it is designed to automatically supply lubricant as the roller moves. The function of this system allows minimizing friction of parts, which increases the working life. But there is another task for lubricant, which, by the way, a diamond tool lacks. When cutting, an oil glass cutter, due to its viscous lubricant, collects small particles of brittle material. This nuance is important not only from a security point of view. Instant collection of glass dust helps to ease the mechanical impact of the roller on the surface. This is partly why an oil tool can cut through thick glass more easily.

Kinds

You need to select a glass cutter depending on the functions performed. Manufacturers present this tool in several types. They differ in design features and parameters of the cutting element.

With lubrication mechanism

This device is different from others. Its handle is filled with special oil, which lubricates the cutting roller during operation. This system greatly increases the wear resistance of parts and the quality of cutting.

Diamond device

This type of glass cutter is used by professionals. It confidently handles any surface, making it very popular. The cutting element is diamond. Both natural and artificial materials are used. There is an adjustment screw at the end of the tool. Using a Phillips screwdriver, you can change the position of the diamond tip.

Radial

The product is intended for work on an industrial scale. It is also suitable for cutting round holes. The tool is equipped with a carbide roller that effectively cuts the surface being processed. Some models have automatic oil supply. During operation, the device requires certain skills, knowledge and experience.

The tool is very convenient to use. It has a guide rod, a cutting head, a meter and a barrel with lubricating fluid.

With measuring ruler

This glass cutter cuts through surfaces quickly. The cutting edge is selected according to the buyer's taste. The tool is equipped with a lubrication system. This will allow cutting about 30 km of the treated surface. There is no point in installing such a unit at home. It is quite suitable for a glass workshop or other organization providing such services.

For tubes

This product is used in the food or chemical industry. These production facilities are characterized by increased sterility. The glass cutter is used to cut glass tubes of different sizes.

How to use an oil glass cutter?

The workflow involves several steps. If you plan to cut ordinary glass up to 5 mm thick, then it will be enough to perform three steps. To begin with, a line is formed that will mark the line for further cutting. Then you can proceed to the important part - the actual cutting. At this point, the workpiece should be installed on a stable surface with a non-slip coating. Next, you need to carefully and with slight pressure move the roller along the intended line. The final stage will be the breaking of the glass along the formed cut. Now you can turn to the question of how to cut materials thicker than 5 mm with an oil glass cutter. There are two main differences in working with such glass. Firstly, the risk and direct cutting are performed on both sides. Secondly, if in the case of thin glass the breaking can be done with gloved hands, then in other cases it may be necessary to use pliers or wire cutters. It is important to note that the tool should also be provided with a protective cloth that will prevent damage to the glass.

Measure seven times - prepare the table and glass

Working with glass is easy if you follow simple rules. If you have never cut glass before, first prepare your work surface - it should be absolutely flat and not allow any vibrations. An ordinary work table cannot always be level - it has probably often been exposed to moisture, it has been knocked on with something more than once... A surface made of ordinary wood-fiber board, which is used in furniture production, is convenient for working with glass. Such a slab, placed on the table, will smooth out all its unevenness.

Before using an oil glass cutter, prepare the glass. If it is new, it will be enough to wipe it thoroughly with a rag so that not a speck of dust remains. Old glass needs to be washed - over the course of its service, it becomes covered with layers of dust and soot that cannot be wiped off with a regular rag. To quickly dry glass, use a time-tested and popular method - crumple up an old newspaper and wipe the surface with it; humanity has not yet come up with a better way to wipe and dry glass well!

After washing, it would not be superfluous to degrease the surface - for this you can use ordinary alcohol or turpentine. After this procedure, let the material dry. Of course, you need to wash and dry it indoors - outside it will quickly become covered with a new layer of dust, while our task is not to leave a single speck of dust in the path of the glass cutter, because the more obstacles it has, the faster the tool will become unusable.

Experienced craftsmen do not use auxiliary rulers at all, but such a steady hand takes years to develop. But at the same time, professionals draw the table itself - the glass is transparent, and you just need to touch it to see where you need to draw the line. This experience will be useful for you too. Draw one thick, straight line on the table or on the surface of the fiberboard. Then mark the glass using the same glass cutter, drawing two small lines in the places where the cutting line should begin and end.

Place the glass on the table so that the marks are parallel to the line drawn on the table, at a distance of 2-4 mm. This distance must be taken into account, because it is not the cutting element itself that will be attached to the guide rail or ruler, but the side parts of the head. Don't forget to check the evenness of the corners of the glass sheet using a protractor. Press the ruler firmly against the glass, check if it moves from side to side, and only then start cutting.

How to choose oil for a glass cutter?

There are not many requirements for oil, but the life of the tool depends on their compliance. First of all, the mixture must have a consistency sufficient to flow freely into the supply channel. Otherwise, automatic lubrication simply will not work. The second condition comes down to optimal adhesion - a sufficient viscosity coefficient of the composition will allow the oil glass cutter to be evenly lubricated. The instructions for the tool recommend that the best option is to use a mixture of machine oil and kerosene, diluted in equal proportions. In practice, high-quality compositions stably flow from the reservoir to the working head and remain there. During the cutting process, oil may leave a streak, but it should not flow out of the glass cutter in abundance.

Reviews of Silberschnitt glass cutters

The products of this brand are suitable for professionals who specialize in working with glass. Users note the good performance characteristics of the models of this brand. To create a high-quality cut, minimal effort is enough, after which the split is performed smoothly and without much pressure. However, there are also negative impressions from working with such a tool. Thus, in some modifications, the Silberschnitt oil glass cutter is equipped with a blunt head, which makes cutting difficult. In addition, many people talk about the difficulties of working along the edge. The glass breaks or does not break at all without applying additional force. Otherwise, the models are very attractive both in terms of performance and appearance - a strict and laconic design is a signature feature of the Silberschnitt tool.

Glass preparation

If new glass does not need any special preparation (it is enough to simply wipe it from dust), then with used glass you will have to “tinker” a little.

First, the glass must be thoroughly washed using special detergents. Then degrease with kerosene or alcohol-containing compounds, and finally, dry well after wiping.

To wipe the glass, it is better to use an old newspaper rather than a rag. Thanks to this, there will be no small lint or streaks left on the glass.

Having prepared the glass, you can start cutting it.

Reviews of Toyo models

Inexpensive but high-quality models that are suitable for use at home. As users note, some versions from this line have one nuance. Glass cutters do not work effectively with oil, but without it they can easily handle even thick glass. In terms of ergonomics, there are no complaints. The simple design makes the device easy to use. There are also operational features that this oil glass cutter has. Reviews emphasize that it is better to dip the head in oil - this will increase ease of use and increase the quality of the cut. In terms of reliability, Toyo models are difficult to compare with professional modifications, but the combination of impact-resistant plastic and a damage-resistant head gives every reason to count on the durability of the tool.

How to cut a circle?

A glass circle is a very beautiful figure that can be used in decoration.
Sometimes it is necessary to cover a dormer window in the attic with a glass circle.

For circular cutting, special devices have been invented, for example, a circular glass cutter.

This device consists of a strong suction cup with a hinge, a metal strip with divisions, and a glass cutter attached to this strip. This is usually a roller glass cutter, most often with an oil reservoir. It differs from other glass cutters in that it is much shorter. The oil container, if there is one, is hidden in a round handle, which is grasped during operation. How to cut a circle at home:

The main thing in cutting a circle is to make a straight line, equidistant from the center. Attach the suction cup of the radius glass cutter to the imaginary center of the future circle.
Next, you need to move the glass cutter along the rail to the required distance. This distance on the scale is the radius of the circle to be obtained.
Having fixed the glass cutter on the rail, begin to describe a circle with a medium-speed movement. Maintain uniform pressure. If everything is set correctly, the end of the cutting line will coincide with the beginning.
After drawing a circle on the glass with a glass cutter, arm yourself with a regular glass cutter for rectilinear figures and a ruler and make radial cuts on the outside of the circle. This is necessary in order to carefully break off the excess glass from the resulting circle in pieces.
If you do not need a glass circle, but a round hole in the window, the cuts need to be made inside the circle. Make them in the shape of sectors, and then tap each one with light blows from below. The first one will fall out on its own, the rest can be broken by sticking your hand into an empty sector.

Reviews of Zubr glass cutters

This is one of the best manufacturers of construction tools in Russia, however, compared to foreign brands, the company does not always manage to show a high level of quality of its products. Owners of oil glass cutters of this brand note the simplicity of the design, the lightness of the tool and rather average performance characteristics. The disadvantages of cutting are compensated by the low price, but an oil glass cutter is unlikely to be suitable for regular use. Even despite the stable operation of the lubricant supply mechanism, the working head raises doubts among many. Experienced craftsmen do not recommend performing critical operations with ceramics or thick glass with such a tool. But, for simple everyday tasks, if you have the proper skills, you can get good results with a domestic glass cutter. Again, the cost is about 100 rubles. fully corresponds to the characteristics of this product.

Purpose of glass cutter

Using any glass cutter, be it a hand tool or a semi-automatic table for cutting glass, involves applying a direct scratch to the surface of the workpiece, along which the material is always broken manually.

At the same time, a glass cutter is also used to work with ceramics, for example, tiles.

Corrugated glass is no problem for the instrument.

Important!
Cutting corrugated glass should be done on its smooth side.

Some types of glass cutters are capable of cutting relatively thick material (up to 19 mm) in a straight line, even if it has a shallow pattern, while others are designed for shaped cutting, for example, along curved lines.