If you are hoping to step up your game when it comes to stained glass work, then you should look into buying a saw. Stained glass saws ensure that you will make accurate cuts quickly. As with buying any power tool, it can be overwhelming when doing research to figure out what tool is right for your specific needs. This is especially the case when there are so many options on the market with a wide range of prices.
Read on as we have taken the time to breakdown what you need to look for when shopping for a stained glass saw. This is an expensive pieces of equipment that you will be spending money on, so it is important to be aware of the factors and attributes to consider when trying to find the right one
Saw Type
When shopping around, one of the first things to consider is the type of stained glass saw that you want to buy. There are three different types: ring, band, and wire saws. There is no wrong one to buy, but the different styles have pros and cons to take into account.
Ring Saws work by using a very fine ring that is made of steel wire to cut the glass. By spinning at a high speed it allows you to move the glass in any direction to make any cut that you want. These are great for cutting freeform shapes and for more elaborate pieces that you are working on.
Band Saws cut glass using a very thin blade that is comparable to a traditional saw blade. They operate by going up and down at high speeds. Because of this design, they can’t cut out intricate shapes; they only go in a straight line. They also can be used to cut other materials that you might find in your workspace.
Wire saws have a lot in common with ring saws, but the main difference is that the blade moves in the same fashion as a band saw. It has the capability to cut in any way that you see fit, unlike the band saw. The biggest downside to them is that the wire can break relatively easily. Not to worry though, the replacements are relatively inexpensive.
Blade Material
When looking at stained glass saws, one of the biggest deciding factors should be considering what the blade is made of. There are generally two main types of saw blades that are used: diamond coated blades and steel blades.
Steel blades are the most affordable and widely used material for ring and band saws. These are great because of their wide availability and affordability. The biggest drawback to steel blades is that they break much more easily than their diamond coated counterparts.
Diamond coated saw blades are proven to be some of the toughest and most durable blades that you can buy. There are a lot of other tools that you can find that are diamond tipped that make them far superior to the competition. Using a diamond tipped saw blade will yield a clean and smooth cut, but they are typically found on band saws.
Throat Height
Throat height of a saw is a measurement of the thickness that a saw is able to cut through. Think of it as the maximum clearance of an entrance. If your glass exceeds this number, then you won’t be able to cut it. It is a good idea to get one that gives you a decent amount of clearance so that you can work on a variety of different thicknesses of glass.
Size
You should choose the size of your stained glass saw based on the amount of space you have in your work space as well as available storage space. It is a good idea to get a saw that allows you to change and customize the table that you are working on instead of committing to a single size. The reason being is that working with a piece too large for the table can be difficult, and working with a small piece on a larger table can prevent you from cutting properly.
Cooling
Cutting glass generates a lot of heat. To keep everything intact and running smoothly a cooling element is required. Glass saws are cooled by administering a cooling agent like water to the blade while it is cutting as well as the surface being cut. Depending on the saw you purchase, you will get a different delivery method of the cooling liquid. While there is no wrong one, it ultimately comes down to personal choice.
Safety
Cutting glass with a saw generates a lot of heat, so it is recommended that you invest in some protection. Safety glasses, heat resistant clothes, as well as protection for your hands are highly recommended no matter your skill level. Some saws also come with extra safety features, which we encourage you to look into and consider when buying.
Accessories
Stained glass saws can come with all kinds of accessories, either included with the purchase or sold separately. It can be a little difficult to navigate what might be absolutely necessary versus what you can hold off on. We highly recommend that you invest in replacement blades initially. You will inevitably have to replace them at some point, so they will always be needed and worth the extra money.
Noise
Noise level can be an important factor to some, but not for all buyers. The motor and the blade determines the volume at which your stained glass saw operates. No matter what, it is going to create some noise, so be sure to factor that in when you are working. We recommend investing in earplugs or some other type of ear protection when working with these machines.
Price
When shopping around for a stained glass saw on a budget, consider what would be the best fit and value for your money. This is a particularly expensive piece of equipment that you are investing in, so it is important to find the right one for you and your projects.
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Hopefully we have given you some food for thought when you are on the hunt for a stained glass saw. At the end of the day, the best saw for you is the one that fits your budget and will help you create beautiful pieces of work!
