Scroll Saw and Glass

[James R]

Steve,
  Have you ever cut patterns or anything with your scroll saw in glass.
I saw a book about it and wondered.

Thank You,
Jim

[Dawie]

That's a new one on me.
David

[Russ C]

Nope, never tried it or heard of it. 

[dankc908]

Don't try it with tempered glass -- unless you like 'minor' explosions and glass over every single inch of your shop!  (Definitely wear eye protection)

[GrayBeard]

The only thing I know of that will cut glass like a saw is a rotary blade that has a 'diamond' edge and cuts under a liquid such as water or maybe glycerine. The 'chipping action of a normal saw blade would tend to break the glass rather than cut it.

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[northie66]

I've never tried glass.  I have cut a record album though.  Turned out ok but the edges weren't the greatest.  I don't remember what blade I used but I'm sure it was the wrong one.   

[sgood]

Hi Jim, yes you can cut glass with a scroll saw. You need a water drip tank and diamond blades. I could probably find you a source for the blades if you like. They are very expensive. The drip tank can be home made. I know They use to make a drip tank for the Hawk but I'm not sure it is still available.

I just did a quick search and here is a source for the diamond blades. Looks like they are out of stock at this time however.
http://www.scrollit.com/Olson%20Scroll%20Saw%20Blades/diamond_scroll_saw_blades.htm

[jim stiek]

I haven't used them yet but purchased 2 blades (Diamond) from Bushton mfg. the new owners of hawk. haven't built my drip tank yet but plan on using a piece of plastic pipe and an ice maker kit,
jim

[Dawie]

Lot of new things here.The glass sawing first. And now a drip tank. What is it and how does it work Never heard of it can anyone enlighten me?
David

[Dragonlord85]

A drip tank is used to keep a constant drip of water on the saw blade when using a diamond blade. This keeps the blade cool when cutting glass.

[Dragonlord85]

For those that may want to make their own drip tank here is a good site to look at.

http://www.pswood.com/downloads/ProductReview_DripTank_Poster.pdf

[dgman]

Probably not a good thing for us with saws that have cast iron tables!

[Dawie]

Thanks for enlightning me. Did my bit of learning for the day.
david

[sp_343]

I think I will stick to wood and my FD blades.  Sounds like a neat idea though...would like to see a finished piece.

[northie66]

Yeah... same here SP.  Somehow if I try it I see myself in the ER getting my body duct taped to get the shards out.