Glass cutter
There are basically two types of glass cutter - those that are oil-filled
and those that aren't. I would always recommend paying the extra for an oil-filled cutter, as you don't have to keep dipping the wheel in oil. All have tungsten carbide wheels.
Shaw cutters
The cheaper ones are called Shaw cutters, and are made of metal. I would recommend getting one - but not for cutting! I use mine for tapping and opening up the scoreline, as I find the weight of them much better than the plastic oil-filled models.
K Star and Toyo cutters
K Star and Toyo both make oil-filled cutters and both offer a pistol grip cutter, which suits people who may have trouble holding and applying pressure with the standard pencil-shaped cutter. The Toyo Super cutter is the one I use - it has an ingenious pressure system for dispensing oil, which also enables me to gauge how much pressure I need to score a piece of glass.
Top: Shaw cutter Bottom: oil-filled cutter
Replacement heads
Cutters will last for ages if you look after them (don't go over that scoreline, however tempting!) but if they do start becoming blunt - you will know because it will become harder and harder to make a good scoreline - you can buy replacement heads that you simply screw on to your cutter.
Brass circle cutter
I love demonstrating this tool to my students! It has a suction pad, a ruler to enable you to measure the diameter of your circle, and a tungsten carbide wheel that must be dipped in oil before use.
Glass cutter oil
Glass cutter oil can be purchased in 200ml bottles, but to be honest, I've used various cooking oils when I've been desperate, with no ill effects.
Cutting mats
These are a bit spongy, and help keep the glass from slipping. If I'm not cutting on my light box, I use spare bits of lino left over from various DIY jobs, and have found that to be perfectly fine.
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