Working with glass at home is not as common as with wood or metal. The material is very capricious in processing, it requires accuracy and precision, so inexperienced owners try to entrust such operations to specialists. Nevertheless, with proper dexterity, it is possible to perform high-quality cutting of glass without outside help. An oil glass cutter, which is considered the most durable and effective tool of this type, will help in this matter.
Features of oil glass cutters
As the name suggests, these models are distinguished by the fact that the working mechanisms are lubricated with oil. The rest of the tool resembles traditional roller glass cutters. Actually, due to the presence of automatic lubrication, this option is more advantageous in terms of long-term or intensive use. The fact is that the oil roller glass cutter during operation does not imply strong friction of the working head, due to which the operational resource also increases. Conventional roller models, on the contrary, are spared from the lubrication system, therefore they are less durable. However, those who rarely deal with glass processing may well turn to the standard versions without lubrication. There are also diamond glass cutters. They do not require the use of oil, but at the same time they have a long service life. True, oil analogues are cheaper.
Design and principle of operation
Outwardly, the tool resembles a large handle with a small reservoir, at the end of which a working head with a spring mechanism is fixed. The container is where the oil is. As for the cutting head, it is designed to automatically supply lubricant during the movement of the roller. The function of this system allows you to minimize the friction of parts, which increases the working life. But there is another task for lubrication, which, by the way, is deprived of a diamond tool. When cutting, the oil glass cutter collects small particles of fragile material due to a viscous lubricant. This nuance is important not only from a security point of view. Instant collection of glass dust facilitates the mechanical impact of the roller on the surface. Partly for this reason, the oil tool cuts through thicker glass more easily.
How to use an oil glass cutter?
The workflow involves several steps. If you plan to cut ordinary glass up to 5 mm thick, then it will be enough to perform three steps. To begin with, a risk is formed that will mark the line of further cutting. Then you can proceed to the critical part - direct cutting. At this point, the workpiece should be placed on a stable surface.with non-slip coating. Next, you need to carefully and with a little pressure to draw a roller along the intended line. The final stage will be the breaking of the glass along the formed cut. Now we can turn to the question of how to cut materials with a thickness of more than 5 mm with an oil glass cutter. There are two main differences in working with such glass. First, the risk and direct cutting is performed on both sides. Secondly, if in the case of thin glass the break can be done with hands protected by gloves, then in other cases it may be necessary to use pliers or wire cutters. It is important to note that the tool must also be provided with a protective cloth to prevent damage to the glass.
How to choose glass cutter oil?
There are not many requirements for oil, but the duration of the tool depends on their observance. First of all, the mixture must have a consistency sufficient for free passage into the supply channel. Otherwise, automatic lubrication simply will not work. The second condition is reduced to optimal adhesion - a sufficient viscosity coefficient of the composition will allow you to evenly lubricate the glass cutter with oil. The instructions for the tool recommend using a mixture of machine oil and kerosene, diluted in equal proportions, as the best option. In practice, high-quality compositions flow stably from the reservoir into the working head and remain on it. During the cutting process, the oil may leave a streak, but it should not flow profusely from theglass cutter.
Reviews about Silberschnitt glass cutters
Products of this brand will suit professionals who specialize in working with glass. Users note the good performance characteristics of the models of this brand. To create a high-quality cut, minimal effort is enough, after which the split is performed smoothly and without much pressure. However, there are also negative impressions from working with such a tool. So, in some modifications, the Silberschnitt oil glass cutter is equipped with a blunt head, which makes it difficult to cut. In addition, many talk about the difficulties in working on the edge. Glass breaks or does not break at all without the application of additional force. Otherwise, the models are very attractive both in terms of performance and appearance - a strict and concise design is a signature feature of the Silberschnitt tool.
Reviews of Toyo models
Inexpensive, but high-quality models that are suitable for home use. As users note, some versions from this line have one nuance. Glass cutters work inefficiently with oil, and without it they can easily cope even with thick glass. In terms of ergonomics, there are no complaints. The simple design makes the device easy to use. There are also operational features that this oil glass cutter has. Reviews emphasize that it is better to dip the head in oil - this will increase ease of use andincrease the quality of the cut. In terms of reliability, the Toyo model is difficult to compare with professional modifications, but the combination of impact-resistant plastic and damage-resistant head gives every reason to count on the durability of the tool.
Reviews about glass cutters "Zubr"
This is one of the best manufacturers of building tools in Russia, however, against the background of foreign brands, the company does not always manage to show a high level of quality of its products. Owners of oil glass cutters of this brand note the simplicity of the design, the lightness of the tool and rather average performance. The disadvantages of cutting are compensated by the low price, but the Zubr oil glass cutter is hardly suitable for regular use. Even despite the stable operation of the lubrication mechanism, the working head is in doubt for many. Experienced craftsmen do not recommend performing responsible operations with ceramics or thick glass with such a tool. But, for simple everyday tasks, if you have the proper skills with a domestic glass cutter, you can get good results. Again, the cost is about 100 rubles. fully consistent with the characteristics of this product.
Conclusion
Oil glass cutters are commonly used by builders looking for a tool that is durable, reliable and easy to use. Of course, diamond models can also be considered as an alternative, but their cost is much higher, and the result is about the same. In some cases, an oil glass cutter is appropriate to containand in the household. From this point of view, the usual roller model is already an alternative, but its technical and operational indicators decrease over time, which affects the quality of cutting. In turn, the oil tool will last a long time and will not let you down at the most crucial moment - of course, if it is timely refueled with suitable lubrication mixtures.
