Glory Hole
A reheating chamber that brings a cooling piece back to working temperature without touching the main furnace.
Shaping / Blowing
| Blade length | 50 - 90 mm |
|---|---|
| Jaw inserts | Industrial diamond or tungsten carbide |
| Maximum wall thickness | 4 - 20 mm |
| Overall length | 350 - 500 mm |
| Cooling | Water cooled recommended |
Compatible glass types
Soda-lime
Borosilicate
Lead crystal
Compatibility assumes the tool is rated for the working temperature of that glass family. Check the maker's documentation before use.
Overview
Thick-walled work crushes under ordinary shears. Diamond shears solve that with hard inserts set into the jaws, which concentrate the closing force into a narrow line and part the glass instead of squashing it. They are the tool for cutting through a heavy gather, trimming a thick base, or severing a solid form.
Safety notes
- These are heavy tools. Grip with both hands for a thick cut and keep your stance stable.
- A thick offcut carries real weight. Clear the drop zone before cutting.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Use diamond shears for the first cut through a heavy wall, then switch to standard shears for trimming.
- Keep the inserts clean. Glass build-up on the jaw stops the cut from closing fully.
What to look for
- Diamond inserts that part thick glass cleanly
- Long handles for leverage on heavy cuts
- Replaceable jaw inserts
High temperature tool
This tool operates in or near the working range of molten glass. Read the safety notes above before first use, and never work with it without eye protection, heat-resistant gloves and working extraction.
Reference information only. Specifications are published ranges drawn from manufacturer documentation and normalised for comparison. They vary between makers and between individual units. This page does not sell or endorse any product, and does not guarantee any result. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and take hands-on instruction before operating hot glass equipment.
Related
Tools used alongside the diamond shears
Gathering Pipe
A solid rod used to pick up a gather when you are working solid rather than hollow.
Gathering / Shaping
Heat Shield
A radiant barrier that slides onto the pipe and protects the back of your hand.
Gathering / Shaping
Wooden Block
A soaked fruitwood block used to shape and chill a gather while it is still soft.
Shaping
See the shaping & tools workflow
Read the category overview, or jump into the 3D Studio to see these tools applied to a live piece.