Getting A Straight Cut With Glass Tile

This can be very frustrating for some people. You need a precise cut on your glass tile and you just can't seem to get what you want. There are ways to cut glass tile to almost perfection. However, you must remember that glass is glass and it tends to have a mind of its own sometimes. If you get a piece that will not cut well, then put it aside and try a new one. Glass has fracture points and it will break along its own line occasionally. You just have to direct the cut.

I use wheeled cutters to cut all glass. Click here to see the basics of how to use wheeled cutters. Some people use the basic nippers but I have too many problems with them. To cut all the way across the glass tile in a straight line you need to cut quickly and efficiently. If you take too long to squeeze the cutters for a cut then you will end up crushing the tile. This crushed area will result in a poor cut that is curved. You can't give the glass time to find its fracture point. Place your wheels where you want the cut and pop the tile apart with speed. Don't let your cutters wobble either.

You still may have a ragged edge. This is normal and usually a desired effect. Most artists don't want a "perfect" edge. They want it to all look hand cut. To clean up a ragged edge just slowly start nipping the the rough area off. You can also use grozier pliers to pull of the unwanted part.

Practice really does make perfect on this. The more cuts you make on glass tile the better you will get. Remember that it will take a lot to dull your wheels. If they seem to be getting dull just rotate them slightly.

If you have your own technique that works, feel free to add a comment on it.