Choosing Stained Glass Grinders

One of the most important tools used by stained glass artists is the stained glass grinder. A stained glass grinder is used to put a finish cut on glass. A glass cutter is first used for the “rough cut”, but then the glass is finished with the grinder so that each piece fits perfectly, just like a puzzle. Glass Grinders use a diamond coated bit to grind off excess glass and prepare the glass edge to accept copper foil.

There are many varieties of stained glass grinders available, so choosing one can be a bit overwhelming for the beginner. Most grinders come with two bits, also known as grinding heads.  The larger bit (3/4" or 1") is used to shape larger pieces. The smaller bit is used for detail work and for grinding holes in glass.

There are several things to consider when choosing a stained glass grinder. The first is budget. Glass grinders range in price from under $100 to thousands of dollars for commercial grade grinders. However, hobbyists wouldn’t purchase a commercial grade grinder. Most stained glass artists will purchase a mid priced grinder that sells for $100-$350. These grinders will work well for beginning and advanced artists and will serve your needs for the long term.

You’ll also need to consider how often you’ll use your grinder. If you only make three or four stained glass projects a year, you may not need to purchase a grinder at the more expensive end of the scale.

There are several features to consider in stained glass grinders. Take a look at the number of RPMs, which determines how fast the bit turns. The faster, the more quickly you can complete the work. Torque is important as well. Torque is measured in inches/ounce and tells you how strong the resistance is to the glass. You’ll also want to take a look at the warranty that comes with your glass grinder, as they can vary widely.

Those are the basics of choosing your stained glass grinder. Shop around to find the best combination of price and features for you.

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