Make
sure you are putting the glass on smooth and level surface
with no glass shards. If the surface is uneven, it will
give difficulties in scoring and breaking. The telltale
squeaks as you move the glass indicate there is other
glass under the sheet. These shards and any other small
almost invisible things under your glass can promote unwanted
breaks. Also, if there is glass or other grit on the surface,
it may scratch the glass.
Many
people have a slightly cushioned cutting surface. Some
use short pile carpets/rugs, others use thin rubber
or foam sheets, others use dining table protectors.
All these are useful for cutting large pieces and have
advantages and disadvantages. Carpets and foam can trap
shards of glass, so have to be cleaned very carefully
to avoid retaining sharp glass within the pile or foam.
Smooth, wipe-able surfaces avoid trapping glass, but
can be slippery. Choose one with a non-slip surface.
It is better to cut small pieces on smooth hard surfaces,
as the flexible surface will not provide overall support,
and so allow breaks, especially on long thin pieces.
Clean the glass at least along the cut line, as this
makes the action of the cutter smoother. The grit on
the glass actually interrupts the action of the wheel,
so you get a staccato effect in the score line.
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