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Fusing and Stained Glass Tips and FAQ's => Fusing Tips and FAQ's => Tools & Equipment => Topic started by: snowdrops on October 18, 2014, 09:03:34 PM

Title: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: snowdrops on October 18, 2014, 09:03:34 PM
Hi
I appear to have bought the wrong cutter for what I need.  Can anyone recommend a good tool to cut smallish circles ?

I have a Morton board, just the base, wondered if the circles cutter was worth getting ? Or maybe there's something better out there.

I'm also thinking of getting the portable glass workshop for the board.  Has anyone used this who are left-handed ? 

Thanks

Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: Nicknack on October 18, 2014, 11:04:25 PM
I've got a lens cutter from Warm Glass. Wouldn't be without it!

Nick
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: Pat from Canvey on October 19, 2014, 06:54:04 AM
I use this one, http://www.warm-glass.co.uk/silberschnitt-pro-circle-cutter-p-1209.html and I'm left handed.
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: snowdrops on October 19, 2014, 01:21:27 PM
Thanks very much Pat, but that's the one I bought by mistake.  Tempted to keep it now, in case I go into coasters etc in the future, but for now, diameter not small enough.  Wanted something that cuts from 1 and half inch diameter.  Have you tried the Morton station being left-handed ? 
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: Pauline on October 19, 2014, 03:44:47 PM
that small you could probably do a square and cut off the corners a few times if you are fusing
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: jeannette on October 19, 2014, 04:58:49 PM
You can probably get pretty good circles by using your regular cutter. The lens cutter is nice and schibberwhatsit do an amazing small circle cutter for like 200 quid, but if you full fuse it, it will be round anyway....
You may also consider a diamond coated hole saw if you have a drill.
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: Pat from Canvey on October 19, 2014, 05:00:34 PM
Quote from: snowdrops on October 19, 2014, 01:21:27 PM
Have you tried the Morton station being left-handed ? 
Truth to tell, I've never needed it as I've had lots of experience cutting intricate designs in glass. This is a panel I made about 20 years ago, (http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1426/5604171/24562402/410217918.jpg)
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: snowdrops on October 19, 2014, 06:00:27 PM
Ah ! Nipping the corners off, now that's one to try :) 

I do have a drill, but do like the idea of the circle cutter.  May need to wait a bit, there's always so much you want to buy.  I practically dribble over glass shop stock !!!!
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: Quirky Bird on October 20, 2014, 01:46:44 PM
I'm so glad you asked this question. I'm also just starting a fusing course and there are so many gizmos to choose from - it's hard to know how to prioritise, and separate the 'can't live withouts' from the 'dust gatherers'. The circle cutter was on my list, so you saved me that mistake!

On the subject of cutting small glass shapes - and if no-one minds if I hijack the thread slightly - does anyone have any advice about ring-saws? Are they work having, and if so, which would you recommend? I've read good and bad reports about them on the internet - ranging from 'must have' to 'it could take your eye out' comments :-\

Thanks
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: flame n fuse on October 20, 2014, 01:58:29 PM
I'm a bit disappointed with our ringsaw and rarely use it. I bought it hoping for precision in cutting, but many of its components are plastic and lack rigidity and so I  can't reliably get accurate straight lines and right angles. Also the glass I use (Bullseye), which is quite rough surfaced, tends to break where it wants to, not along the cutting line. It's often only a couple of mm out, but that matters when constructing some items.
Overall, I think it depends on what shapes you want to cut. Perhaps the manufacturers' online demos show off their best aspects.

I wouldn't put it top of a list for must buys. If you're just started fusing, learn how to cut by hand first.

Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: MeadMoon on October 20, 2014, 04:34:56 PM
Don't get the Morton one for small circles; the cutter wheel goes sideways on to the circumference of the circle when you get below a certain size.  Also, I had one like the cutter that Pat shows and the plastic bit that the tightening screw goes into has split, so that the cutter bit slips along the arm while you are trying to cut.  I hadn't even maltreated it!

My latest cutter is this one: http://www.warm-glass.co.uk/easycut-glass-circle-cutter-p-1211.html?page=2  which has worked ok so far, but I haven't tried cutting circles under about 3cm diameter with it yet.
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: Nicknack on October 20, 2014, 06:10:57 PM
Quote from: MeadMoon on October 20, 2014, 04:34:56 PM
Don't get the Morton one for small circles; the cutter wheel goes sideways on to the circumference of the circle when you get below a certain size.  Also, I had one like the cutter that Pat shows and the plastic bit that the tightening screw goes into has split, so that the cutter bit slips along the arm while you are trying to cut.  I hadn't even maltreated it!

My latest cutter is this one: http://www.warm-glass.co.uk/easycut-glass-circle-cutter-p-1211.html?page=2  which has worked ok so far, but I haven't tried cutting circles under about 3cm diameter with it yet.

That's the one I've got.  Had no problems with it at all.  It will cut quite small - I've done about 1.5 cm, I think, and usually about 2 - 3 cm.  I love it.

Nick
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: Zeldazog on October 20, 2014, 06:26:02 PM
If you get a lens cutter, be sure to always score in a a clock-wise direction - as a leftie, you might be tempted to do it anti-clockwise, that's what I did first of all (I don't recall seeing it mentioned in the instructions)

Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: MeadMoon on October 21, 2014, 12:42:43 PM
Hi Nick,

What is your secret?  I set up the Morton cutter exactly per the instructions, but at the size of circle I wanted (from memory about 15mm diameter) the cutter wheel was being held at 90 degrees to the circumference so instead of cutting a neat line I was getting a wide scrape, which did not break easily if at all.  Is there a way of adjusting how the cutter is held?
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: Nicknack on October 21, 2014, 01:19:26 PM
Not the Morton one, I've got the Warm Glass one. I've got the Morton kit, but haven't got round to getting to grips with it yet. Sorry!

Nick
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: MeadMoon on October 21, 2014, 05:44:35 PM
Ah, now I see.  My fault for misreading your comment.  Sorry!
Title: Re: Circle Cutter Advice
Post by: snowdrops on October 21, 2014, 06:25:01 PM
Thanks all for your help  :)