Stained Glass Cutters That Make The Cut

Ask any stained glass artist and they will tell you that the key to a great end product is a quality glass cutter.  However, the name stained glass cutter is quite deceptive.  The tool actually scores a small crevice the glass.  When pressure is applied to either side of the crevice the glass breaks down the line that was created by the glass cutter.

The muscle behind stained glass cutting tools is the blade.  Blades are created from a variety of materials including steel and other alloy metals.  Steel is considered the least effective because it has a tendency to dull very quickly. 

Cutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Each design has a particular benefit and no one shape is actually considered the best.  Some cutters are created with an ergonomic easy to grip handle often referred to as a pistol grip.  This shape is a favorite among new artists because it has a more substantial feel to it.  In addition, there are several models that have stick-like appearance that work very well in creating curved lines.

Along with traditional hand-held stained glass cutters, there are several specialty cutters to create circles in circumferences from ¾ of an inch to five inches.  While you can purchase templates to trace your circle pattern with a hand held glass cutter, a circle cutter makes the job a lot easier.  If a project requires a number of glass strips, other cutters will allow the artist make this shape in varying widths and lengths.

If you are not sure which stained glass cutter is best for you, take some time to talk to a professional or a visit a retailer specializing in the art form.  In the end, the investment you make in a quality cutting tool will allow you to create works of art that will be enjoyed for years to come.