An important tool to have for working with stained glass is a good glass grinder. No matter your skill level, this piece of equipment will help you achieve the perfect piece. Glass grinders are one of the more expensive tools that you will need. Expect to pay anywhere up to $500 for a decent grinder. You can do all the grinding by hand, but spare yourself the effort and potential frustration by investing in a quality glass grinder.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you are trying to find the right tool for your work.
As you read more, we will share with you key features to bear in mind so that you can make a better and more informed purchase.
Torque
Torque is an important aspect to consider when looking for a stained glass grinder. The more torque there is, the easier and faster it will be to grind a piece of glass into the desired shape. Torque is measured by “inches to ounces,” and generally speaking, the higher the torque is, the better the performance. Keep in mind that people often buy the grinder with the greatest torque that their budget allows.
If you are just starting off working with stained glass, you will likely need a grinder that has less than 20 inch-oz of torque. These are perfect for beginners who are doing projects that require a minimal amount of grinding.
More experienced glass workers should consider investing in a glass grinder that has a torque output of up to 30 inch-oz. While you will be grinding a bit more than a beginner, this is a perfect power output for small to medium-sized pieces that need more attention and care.
Professionals and those who do a lot of glass grinding should be prepared to spend a little extra money for anything over 30 inch-oz. These are great for any project size and are meant to get a lot of use out of them.
Speed
The speed of a glass grinder also plays an important role in your purchase decision. Speeds are measured in rotations per minute (RPM), so naturally the higher the number, the faster it’s spinning. Faster speeds coupled with greater torque yield cleaner cuts, smoother finishes, and greater precision without you having to put much effort into it. Generally speaking, the higher the speed, the better the grinder.
Beginners working with stained glass should consider something that can achieve up to 3300 RPM. This speed is best suited for smaller projects that do not require intensive grinding.
The next price range generally runs up to 3600 RPM and is good for small to medium pieces. These are good when there is a bit more grinding needed.
If you are a seasoned veteran or professional working with stained glass, consider purchasing anything that can achieve speeds of over 3600 RPM. If you do lots of grinding, these are a great investment. Remember that pairing high speed with high torque will make grinding glass a breeze.
Size
Choosing the right size of your glass grinder is contingent upon the amount of space that you have available to you for working and storage purposes. There is also the issue of having too much space. For example, if you are working with smaller pieces, having a massive table could be detrimental to your work and makes it difficult to work with. Some grinders allow you to change the size of the table to better meet your needs.
Cooling
Cutting glass is a task that produces a lot of heat, so it is important to keep cooling in mind for safety purposes in addition to ensuring the longevity of your tools. Most commonly stained glass grinders have a tank that holds water or other liquid coolants that are expelled through a sponge on the head of the grinder. Other delivery systems more or less perform in the same manner but without the use of a sponge. Both styles and delivery systems work effectively and which you pick comes down to personal preferences.
Safety
As with any other power tool, the most important rule while working with a stained glass grinder is safety. Suffice to say, using a glass grinder is a potentially dangerous task and you should take precautionary measures when working with glass. Invest in the following features to keep yourself and your workshop safe:
Face and eye protection
Fast-acting fuses
Efficient cooling
Dust collection
Accessories
As with any power tool, there are a variety of accessories that come with stained glass grinders or can be purchased separately. These accessories range from tables, face protection, and extra sponges. One important accessory to consider is bits. Bits for a stained glass grinder can be expensive, especially ones of high quality. Note that the type of bits you buy are reliant upon the shaft size of your machine. Be sure to pay attention to this to ensure that your bit will be compatible with your grinder.
Motor Noise
Depending on the speed and torque output of your stained glass grinder, the motor can be quite loud when running. If you have a proper workshop, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. However, if you are working in a home garage, then consider yourself warned. While the high-powered grinders are generally very loud, the lower end grinders can also be loud because they aren’t muffled in any way. Noise output shouldn’t be a major factor in your purchase decision, but it might not be a bad idea to get hold of some ear protection.
Price
When budgeting for a stained glass grinder, keep in mind that this is a particularly expensive piece of equipment. You could opt for a more affordable option that costs around $100, or you could spend close to $500 on a high-powered unit with all the bells and whistles. A general suggestion is to purchase one with the highest speed and torque that you can afford that comes with accessories or add-ons that are useful for your work.
When picking your glass grinder, remember that it is best to take into account your experience level, the amount of grinding you will be doing, as well as the size of the pieces that you are working with. Choosing the best grinder should be about the one you’re most comfortable with and will yield the best results for your work. By following these buying tips, you will hopefully be able to find the right grinder to create something truly unique and beautiful!
