• Step 1. Circles can be scored freehand or with a circle cutter. First, score the circle, making sure that you start and stop the score line at the same point.
• Step 2. Turn the glass over onto a piece of corrugated cardboard with the score line face down. With your fingers, press along the score line until you see the score line "runs" completely around the circle.
• Step 3. Turn the glass over to the side on which you scored it. Score several tangent cuts off the circle.
• Step 4. Break these tangential scores with your hands, pliers, or the Morton System. The circle should break out clean with no rough or jagged edges.

The most difficult concave curves can be made easy making only one score line, if you are using the Morton System. To accomplish this by using the hand breaking method and/or plier method, you must first make a series of concentric scores.

Then remove these graduated scores in sequence. Gently tap out the primary score last.

You can also accomplish this type of cut by using the crisscross pattern of score lines instead of concentric scores.

After the glass is scored and broken, you can remove small unwanted chips with grozing pliers. The serrated jaws of these pliers are used to gently nibble away at the jagged edges.

Rough edges can also be smoothed with a carborundum stone or one of the sophisticated glass routers, which have recently become an affordable item for the hobbyist. Many models of routers are available. The grinding surface is covered with fine diamond industrial chips, which grind away unwanted glass very quickly without chipping the edges. In addition, they are water-fed which keeps the glass from cracking due to heat, prolongs the life of the diamond bit, and prevents the powdery ground glass form flying around.

Go to "Sample Project Patterns"

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