Glass Saw
Glass Saw
| Glass Saws (frequently called cut-off wheels) are quite common in the glassblowing shop. This piece of equipment may be used to cut full lengths of glass tubing and rod down to a manageable size, cutting angles (drip tips), removal of damaged glass from an apparatus in preparation of final repair and a host of other applications. Most cutting wheels are made with carborundum abrasives or industrial diamonds. All glass saws of this style will use a coolant, usually water, to keep the glass from fracturing from heat build up at the wheel/glass contact point. |
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Typical glass saw or cut-off wheel. A diamond wheel is mounted on this saw. A coolant reservoir, mounted within the green framework, provides water to a pump which in turn feeds the copper tubes mounted on either side of the diamond wheel. The water flows down onto the rotating wheel, running out to the wheel edge, cooling both the wheel and the glass being cut. |
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This photo shows the glass tube on the movable table. Note the glass is in contact with at least two places on the table - the bottom and back. For safety as well as cut quality, the glassware should always be firmly held against a solid backing ( the table). The entire table with glass is then brought into the saw wheel. It is not recommended to "freehand" the glass into a rotating wheel ! |
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Diamond wheels are initially expensive relative to the cost of carborundum wheels, but have the advantage of lasting much longer, retaining wheel diameter and cut profile. The wheels can be manufactured with different diamond sizes, concentrations and bonds - custom made for your applications. |
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