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Glass Tips & TricksNewsletters from our past converted to fresh articles about stained glass.
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How To Build A Jig To Help Cut Bevels
When creating stained glass, it comes in handy to be able to use tools to cut multiple pieces so they are uniform each time. It's quite easy to create a jig for cutting beveled stained glass, and it can be used for years. A jig is a fixture that can be used to speed up repetitive tasks.
Start with a small board and a piece of wood strip for the strip cutter edge. It should be the same size as the strip you install on your work bench, only shorter (the length of the board for the jig). The cleat is approximately 3/4" X 1-1/2".
Put some glue on the strip before attaching the strip.
Put some glue on the strip before attaching the strip.
Staple the cleat to the board. You can see that I left mine a little long (out of laziness)
Then cut two strips of wood to hold the pieces of glass in place. Cut a corner off the wood strips so the strip cutter can get in tighter to the glass to be cut.
Use the bevel or item to be cut to determine where the wood strips should be placed.
Draw on the strip to mark where to cut off the wood strips so they won't be in the way when cutting the glass.
Use the strip cutter, first on one side of the bevel and then the other to insure that the cut will be straight.
Being careful not to move anything, you can mark the spot on the board where the strips are to be placed permanently.
Then nail them down.
When I got done with the jig, I cut the cleat off to the same length as the jig. (since I had been too lazy to do it when I started the project)
When I got done with the jig, I cut the cleat off to the same length as the jig. (since I had been too lazy to do it when I started the project)
When cutting, mark the length that the bevel needs to be cut off.
Then set the length of the strip cutter.
After scoring the glass, rock your hands apart to break the bevel.
When cutting very small pieces, remember to mark the piece and (as always) turn the bevel upside down and score on the flat side of the glass. Hold it firmly while scoring the glass so it doesn't get tipped over.
I have to use pliers to break the small pieces. Rock them apart in the same direction as when using your hands. With the score on top, rock the two pair of pliers away from the score.
I have to use pliers to break the small pieces. Rock them apart in the same direction as when using your hands. With the score on top, rock the two pair of pliers away from the score.
Once you master the art of fixture building, you can build an assortment of jigs for every purpose!