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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: massive88 on September 15, 2008, 07:34:32 pm

Title: Grinding glass with stone rotary bit?
Post by: massive88 on September 15, 2008, 07:34:32 pm

I got a piece of glass cut at Lowes, but there appears to be a little nubbin on it.

Can I grind it down safely using a rotary tool with a stone bit if I go nice and light?  Or am I boned and I need to get another piece cut more cleanly?

Thanks for any advice.

Title: Re: Grinding glass with stone rotary bit?
Post by: protokatie on September 15, 2008, 08:46:26 pm

I dont think power tools would be a good way to go with cleaning the edges of cut glass... I am no expert, but have dealt with glass cutting before and it is a pain in the ass...

Suggestion: Do you have a sharpening stone? (Like one you would use to sharpen a buck knife) You may be able to gently remove any "nubs" from the edges with it (or pumice).


EDIT: DUH! There is a simple tool called a glass file that is specifically designed to smooth the edges of cut glass... Can't believe I forgot about that... Either a glass file or pumice will work , I am sure... (Grain of salt with that one..)

Title: Re: Grinding glass with stone rotary bit?
Post by: Ummon on September 15, 2008, 08:49:41 pm

Perhaps a fine file.

Title: Re: Grinding glass with stone rotary bit?
Post by: protokatie on September 15, 2008, 08:53:41 pm

Quote from: Ummon on September 15, 2008, 08:49:41 pm

Perhaps a fine file.

Talk about my edit coming in right after you...


Umm. I mean: What Ummon said.

Title: Re: Grinding glass with stone rotary bit?
Post by: Hemi on September 15, 2008, 10:11:44 pm

Sandpaper and water.

Title: Re: Grinding glass with stone rotary bit?
Post by: massive88 on September 16, 2008, 10:19:01 am

Turned out it was cut a tad small, and no grinding was necessary.

Thanks for the replies though!

Title: Re: Grinding glass with stone rotary bit?
Post by: RandyT on September 16, 2008, 02:11:12 pm

For future reference, though, heat is glass's mortal enemy while machining.  You can grind it all day long (yes, power tools are just fine) but you need to make sure you are flooding it with coolant (water, etc) while doing so.

My general thought on this (based on far too many years working with the stuff) is: If you see it glow, it's too late.

RandyT