Preparation

• 1). Clean the glass with an ammonia-free window cleaner. This removes dirt particles that can dull the cutter and prevent it from making a continuous score.
  
  
• 2). Lubricate the glass cutter, allowing the cutter wheel to roll evenly for an accurate score.
  
  
• 3). Ensure that the work surface is smooth and free of debris, or you'll get an uneven score or the glass will randomly break while scoring.
  
  

Score the Glass

• 1). According to Delphi Glass stained glass instruction, "Hold the cutter as you would a pen or pencil. Don't tilt from side to side, but keep the wheel perpendicular to the piece of glass. Drag your hand as you score to control the motion." (See Reference 1)
  
  
• 2). The glass cutter does not actually cut the glass, but scores it. Place the glass cutter on the smooth side of the glass, approximately 1/8th of an inch from the edge of the glass. Use moderate pressure and pull the cutter towards you. Do not let the cutter hit the table.
  
  
• 3). Do not go over the score more than once. You'll dull the glass cutter and the glass will not break evenly.
  
  

Break the Glass

• 1). Center the running pliers over the score line and squeeze, forcing the glass to bend slightly and break.
  
  
• 2). Place the score line on the glass at the edge of the working table. Hold the glass on the table firmly and apply pressure on the side that is hanging over the table. This will cause the glass to break down the score line.
  
  
• 3). Place the nose of the breaking pliers at the score line. Hold the glass firmly and pull the pliers down and out. This pressure will break the glass at the score line.
  
  
• 4). Use a bench brush to remove glass chips from the work surface after each break. This keeps the work surface smooth and prevents cutting and bleeding.