How to cut glass accurately?

by Daniel
(Newton, Ma )

I am using the foil technique and my glass cutting is just not that accurate. I have small gaps between foiled pieces. Am I being too much of a perfectionist or is there a way for better cutting?

Milly's answer:

Hi Daniel, thanks for your question. Copper foiling does require more accuracy in cutting glass, but there is a point at which you need to stop, otherwise it can drive you crazy!
Are the gaps you talk about big enough for the stained glass solder to seep though and 'disappear' to the other side? If not, your cutting's fine. If this is happening, and you can't 'fill' the gap with extra solder, your cutting is probably not accurate enough. You could try looking at my Glass Cutting page, to see if your technique is ok. Are you holding the cutter at right angles to the glass, for example?
Another indispensable part of your stained glass kit for copper foiling is a grinder. It will help you get rid of those annoying nubs of stubborn glass, and in doing so eliminate gaps. If you don't have one, check out
Stained Glass Grinder for buying advice.
Good luck - let me know if the problem persists.

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