I wish I could do some kind of animation feature on my blog. Because if I could, you'd definitely see a lot of running through fields in slow motion, long knowing glances across a crowded room, and sucking on the end of a spaghetti strand -- because my new gadget is not just a tool, it's TRUE LOVE!!
With my new tool I cut now cut circles of glass and mirrors!
WOO HOO!!
Maybe you picture a glass cutter as something like this.
But mine came in a box like this. It says "Miller Falls Tools....Circular Glass Cutter". I bought it through a nearby online auction service. As soon as I saw the listing, I knew I had to have it! I didn't even know such a thing existed! I had to go up to $16 (big bucks for me!) but I eventually won out.
My pictures didn't turn out the best, but using a scrap piece of glass I'll see if I can demonstrate how I used it -- it had no instructions of course.
Here's the tool. The online pictures made it appear large, but it's quite small. You can cut circles up to 12". The arm is adjustable and marked for getting just the size you want.
I believe the main part is supposed to be a suction cup, but since my piece is quite old and no longer held, I simply held it firm with my hand.
At the end of the arm is the part that holds the blade. Much like a compass, you simply grab hold of that and run it around in a circle.
I am typically not good at cutting glass, but so far this has worked perfectly for me everytime.
If it works correctly you will hear a continuous, slightly irritating scratching noise. Remember, that's good!
And you should see a complete circle scored into the glass (not cut through).
Then, taking the standard glass cutter, whack away tap on the underside of the glass directly on the score marks. It will crack the glass top to bottom -- do this all around the circle.
Now you have a cut circle. But it still won't just pop out, the outer edges need to be removed. For me (the inept glass cutter), it's easiest just to use my dremel with the glass cutting tip to cut little lines from the circle to the edges.
You'll end up with a circle and some glass scraps. So if using a bigger piece of glass, first cut off any section you may want to save for later.
And there's your circle of glass or mirror.
Not perfect, but not bad!
And if you're wondering "But Midge, how did you cut the circles for your latest projects? They seem larger than 12"." Well, yes. I got around that by inserting a different rod into the hole and then duct taped it to the regular arm. Worked just fine.
And I know that what you REALLY want to know is "Where can I get one of these things?" ....Well, I'm sorry to say I don't know. I don't think they're sold in your basic Home Depot or Walmart. You'll probably have to do a little digging on the computer. However, you might try at a stained glass store, some of my reading sounding like some do carry them.
Anyway, I've got to go. So much junk, so little time. And lately, it seems like I'm just going in circles. ;)
Midge
