Building aquarium

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
So far, I've only cut small pieces of thin glass. When I've done those, I just hold a straight edge (usually a level) and run my scorer along where I want it. Then I'll put the straight edge under the glass, right along the score and use that as the pressure point when I push down on the section to break off
 
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thanks guys yh i have a pieces of glass to practice on, i just need to find a good straight edge to buy, just confused with all the different types you can buy.
there's just so many types in different shapes, thickness etc...
 
Heres my rather primitive backyard glass cutting setup...
Oh man thats nice! Is it a regular circular saw with a glass blade or specifically made for glass? My glass cutter is just a really cheap tool I got at Home Depot and its almost useless with anything thicker than picture frame glass
 
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Oh man thats nice! Is it a regular circular saw with a glass blade or specifically made for glass? My glass cutter is just a really cheap tool I got at Home Depot and its almost useless with anything thicker than picture frame glass

I ordered it off amazon. What ive found is you won't commonly find blades advertised for glass cutting, but look for continuous rim diamond coated blades used for granite/marble/tile. Has to be continuous rim of course and wet lubrication is a must when cutting thick glass. With thick glass, i generally take multiple passes at 1/8", fast rpm, slow tracking. The 3/8" glass takes 3 passes, 1/2" takes 4, etc. Use tape on the cut to minimize chipping.
 
I ordered it off amazon. What ive found is you won't commonly find blades advertised for glass cutting, but look for continuous rim diamond coated blades used for granite/marble/tile. Has to be continuous rim of course and wet lubrication is a must when cutting thick glass. With thick glass, i generally take multiple passes at 1/8", fast rpm, slow tracking. The 3/8" glass takes 3 passes, 1/2" takes 4, etc. Use tape on the cut to minimize chipping.
Don’t forget the option of using baby oil and a random orbit sander. I’ve had amazing outcomes with this finishing method and that saw you use.
 
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Should go without saying, but...make sure that you use a set-up like the nice one Backfromthedead Backfromthedead has with a GFCI-protected electrical outlet. We as aquarists tend to become a little jaded and careless when it comes to mixing water and electricity. :)

As much as I am a firm believer in DIY (and a confirmed cheapskate), I will only cut glass when I already have scrap pieces that I want to utilize. If I am starting a project and need glass, I just order it cut to the correct size. Way easier.
 
I ordered it off amazon. What ive found is you won't commonly find blades advertised for glass cutting, but look for continuous rim diamond coated blades used for granite/marble/tile. Has to be continuous rim of course and wet lubrication is a must when cutting thick glass
Is this saw specifically for these uses or is it a regular circular saw with the specialized blades? I have a circular saw already, if I get the proper blades and lubricate with water like when I drill, would that work? I'm not sure what the rpm of it is though
 
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