Cutting
glass is done by "scoring" the surface of
the glass with a glass cutter, then breaking it along
the score line. The break you make will always follow
the path of least resistance, so you want to be sure
that the score you make is that easy path and glass
breaks the way you want it to.
Generally,
you use the cutter by moving it away from you, so you
can see the cartoon lines as you score. When using a
straight edge such as a cork-backed ruler to guide your
cutter, you can pull the cutter toward you or push it
away. The cutter should always be held at a 90 degree
angle (left to right).
It
is important that the work be done from the forearm
rather than the fingers or the wrist. The forearm should be
held closely to the body. This reduces the freedom of
movement, giving clean flowing score lines. It also
reduces the actions that can lead to repetitive stress
injuries. Any turning required by tight curves can be
done by turning the body from the hips or shuffling
around the bench.
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