Glory Hole
A reheating chamber that brings a cooling piece back to working temperature without touching the main furnace.
Shaping / Blowing
| Blade length | 40 - 80 mm |
|---|---|
| Material | High-carbon steel |
| Maximum glass thickness | 8 mm at cutting temperature |
| Cooling | Air or water cooled variants |
| Overall length | 250 - 400 mm |
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
Shears cut hot glass the way scissors cut paper, but only if the blades are cool and the glass is at the right temperature. Cut too hot and the glass smears and sticks to the blade; cut too cold and it shatters. Water-cooled shears exist for production work where the blades would otherwise soak up heat and start grabbing.
Safety notes
- A hot offcut is a falling burn hazard. Know where the floor is before you cut and keep the area clear.
- Never cut toward your body. The glass parts suddenly and unpredictably.
- Inspect for nicked blades. A nicked blade crushes rather than cuts and leaves a crack line.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Dip the blades in water between cuts to keep them from grabbing.
- Cut with a fast, confident closing motion. A slow cut crushes the wall.
- For a clean rim, score all the way around in one continuous pass.
What to look for
- Long blades that keep hands away from the radiant heat
- Hardened cutting edge that holds an edge at temperature
- Rounded tips that reduce accidental marking
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 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.