Cutting Glass With Scissors

 

I’ve been having a fine time in my studio.

After reading in a book that you could cut glass with scissors under water (YES! scissors! under water!) I decided rashly that I was going to have a go.

So I decided to cut a circle out of blue stained glass with a pair of scissors.

And here’s the result… but I don’t want to spoil the suspense, you’ll have to watch the video.

What’s the science behind it?

For those who like scientific explanations, I scoured the web and came up with a complicated reason why this (sort of) works. I’ve included the explanation at the end of the video for enquiring minds.

So what are you waiting for?

The video’s only 2.5 minutes long so get watching, sharing and liking. Thanks!

The new improved glass cutting technique!!
The new improved glass cutting technique!!

28 thoughts on “Cutting Glass With Scissors”

  1. The explanation begs the question of whether breaking delicate cuts, scored in the regular manner, might be better done underwater or with copious water along the score.

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    • Good point LOL! Cutter heads are designed to cut glass either with or without oil but drilling holes or engraving does require copious amounts of water 🙂

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  2. Interesting and amusing. Have the family coming next weekend. May have to wow them with my newest ‘skill’. Should be fun. Will keep safe though. Thanks Milly.

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    • Ha! Glad you see the funny side of it Lynn. It’s certainly not for cutting accurate stained glass shapes but a good party trick for sure 🙂

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    • Hi Dale, yes, this was just a bit of fun after I read about it one day. Don’t go throwing your glass cutter away though and take good care to be safe.

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    • Glad you enjoyed it Dale. Have fun learning cutting the ‘proper’ way, and then give this a try. It’s a bit of fun.

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  3. OMG….I would have never thought this was possible! Being a novice though, I will take your advice and NOT try this at home…LOL

    Thanks for sharing this! 😀

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  4. You say you wouldn’t be able to use this for a nice project but looking at the finish on the edge of the circle, it looks typical of numerous shaped pieces that have been used in windows I’ve restored. I wonder if the Victorians and Edwardians did actually use this technique?

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    • Good point, Syd. I’ve restored Victorian windows and been amazed at the bad quality of the cutting… scissors would explain it, LOL! Milly

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  5. I loved what you did and I was trying to improve my self. I thank you for your help by showing us how to cut class under the water and God bless you.

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    • Hi Don, think my comment got lost in translation… I just meant for people to take care as glass is dangerous (you never know who will look at the videos once they’re published) Milly

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      • I totally understand your “Don’t try this at home comment”. You have to cover all bases. I for one will be doing it but with all precautions 🙂 Thanks for this video, it was very interesting 🙂

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  6. I learned this from an alcoholic in Mexico who had tourists keep him drunk by betting, “I bet you I can cut a circle out of glass with a scissors!” Of course no one believed him and he demonstrated on a beer bottle with a larger scissors and no water. He would then place the circle into a beer bottle cap and use it to make an “eye” on a model of a horse made from cactus ribs. Ingenious way to support his many children and to stay completely drunk all the time!

    Reply
    • Hilarious! I would certainly have given alcohol to see this trick!!! Now I have something else to try but can’t imagine how he started the bottle off with scissors? Milly

      Reply

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