Fantasy In Glass Glassworks

A Smattering of Advice on Grinders By Someone Who is Very Boring But Helpful

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"Do I need a glass grinder if I'm just starting out?"

· YES- probably more than an expert- a grinder gets you that last 5-10% that hand accuracy usually won’t allow.

· YES- you will waste less glass because of inaccurate cuts. Your pieces will fit better and look more professional.

· YES- copper foil adheres better to a ground edge because the adhesive has a rougher surface to grab to.

· YES- specialty bits make jobs like drilling holes, mitering edges and removing glass texture much easier.

Which grinder is right for me?

Consider the following to help you decide which features are the most important to you now and into the future.

Size - Grinders come in various sizes- "large" with a 12" x 11" work surface and "midsize" with a 10" x 9" work surface. Consider your bench space and the type of projects you'll be making. Large pieces of glass are easier to work with on a large grinder.
Power - The more torque your grinder has, the faster and more efficiently it grinds. More powerful grinders also operate larger diameter grinding heads more effectively.
Accessories/Bits - Additional work surfaces, face shields and different size bits, etc are a few of the many useful grinder accessories. There are many different grits, sizes and types of grinding heads. Buying a machine that limits future choices and options doesn’t normally occur as all the grinders we carry all have the same size mounting shaft and can accommodate virtually all available grinder heads on the market.

Why is torque important in a grinder?

The most familiar method of rating a motor is horsepower, but horsepower doesn't necessarily tell you how well a grinder works and is only part of the motor rating equation. Torque is a measure of how hard the grinding bit turns against the glass. At a constant speed (RPM) the more torque the more grinding power. When everything else is equal, the higher the torque rating, the better the motor.

Grinding Safety

ALWAYS wear safety glasses when grinding!

A face shield is extra protection, but is not a substitute for safety glasses.

Always use your grinder in a properly grounded outlet. Never remove the grinding plug or try to override it.

Grinding Tips

1. Always wear proper eye protection when grinding glass!

2. Position the grinder at a comfortable height to work at. Elevating one foot on a foot stool can alleviate back strain during extended grinding sessions.

3. Good overhead lighting makes it easier to work and helps reduce eye strain.

4. Use a backdrop or splash guard around your grinder to help contain overspray.

5. Hang a towel below your grinder for drying pieces before putting them on your pattern

6. Use a paint pen to mark pattern lines on glass. it's more likely to stay on while you grind. Or a felt pen such as the Undryupables we sell. Rubbing a chapstick over the line will make it more durable under the grinder’s water splash.

7. White buildup around the grinding head means there is not enough water/coolant hitting the bit. Make sure the sponge contacts the bit and that there is water/coolant in the reservoir below. Keep your reservoir correctly filled and add more water/coolant if needed.

8. If you are pushing so hard that the glass cuts your finders when grinding, ease up and check the bit for wear. It may be time to reposition it or replace it.

9. Always secure the bit to the flat side of the motor shaft. To prevent your bit from seizing on the shaft, use a water insoluble lubricant like petroleum jelly, regularly when changing and replacing buts. Remove the bit when not using the grinder for extended periods. Loosen the head occasionally to prevent it from freezing to the grinder shaft.

10. Clean the water reservoir out occasionally. Do this when the sludge is still wet to prevent it from throwing up glass dust into the air.

11. Remove hard water deposits from the grid and reservoir by cleaning with white vinegar or a lime removal product.

12. Rinse plastic face shields clean under cool water after every use. Be careful not to scratch it by rubbing glass dust into the surface while cleaning.

"How many bits do I need?"

The best selection of bits for you depends on the type of work you do and your personal taste. Grinder heads (bits) come in a variety of sizes and shapes for different types of grinding or to create certain effects.

· Super Fine Grits: for mirror, very soft and delicate glasses where maintaining the smoothness of the edge is critical. Also use when the edge will be left exposed.

· Fine Grit: For soft and delicate glasses with very minimal chipping along the ground edge.

· Standard Grit: For normal grinding of most glass types.

· Speed Grits: For fast removal of material or grinding large surfaces where any chipping will be covered with foil or lead.

· Super Speed Grit: An aggressive grit for extremely fast removal and where the edge won't be seen or will be retouched with a finer bit.

How to use specialty bits

Lamp Bits: A reversible bit with two different angles sides to grind lamp pieces that fit on a mitre. Mitered edges meet better giving a thinner, more professional looking solder seam. Pick the angle that comes closest to the angle between the panels in your lamp. To figure the angle, take the number of panels and divide into 180.

Ripple Bits: Used to thin thick or textured glasses and make them easier to fit into the channels of lead and metal cames or to make pieces easier to foil. It tapers the glass edge by passing it through or under the groove in the bit.

Drilling Heads: Start by holding the glass at an angle to the top of the bit with a sponge held against the bit and the underside of the glass. As you grind, work the glass round the point of contact. It's important to keep the bit and glass wet. Frequently remove the bit from the hole to wet the hole and remove residue. Just before the bit comes through the glass, decrease grinding pressure to prevent chipping.

How to drill holes

1. It is best to drill under water. Use a cake pan or something similar. Place a piece of cardboard between the glass and the pan to protect the glass and the bit end when you drill through. When using a hand drill, start drilling at and angle to the glass.

2. Once the hole is started, bring the drill to vertical and drill through the glass. Make sure you keep the bit wet. If a white build up forms, add more water. Use less pressure as you come through the back of the glass.

Bit Tips

1. Always wear proper eye protection when grinding glass.

2. Store bits in their original packaging to protect the diamond and identify the grit.

3. Keep the set screws from worn bits for back up.

4. Always secure the bit to the flat side of the motor shaft.

5. When changing bits, lubricate the shaft with a petroleum based product to prevent seizing.

6. Remove bits if you're not using the machine for long periods of time.

7. Bits frozen onto the shaft can be removed by carefully using a plumbers faucet puller.

8. To extend the life of your diamond bits, blades, core drills and discs, use a grinder coolant additive. A couple of capfuls added to the water in the reservoir reduces friction, speeds up the grinding action and adds up to 50% to the life of a grinder head

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