Cutting glass with a scrollsaw

[Arcy]

Not too long ago somebody mentioned using diamond scroll-saw blades to cut glass on a scrollsaw, but my search-fu is weak today and I can't find the older thread.

I was thinking of picking up such a blade to do some cutting until I can budget a dedicated glass saw, but am not sure quite how to use it.

When cutting glass, one generally uses a fairly heavy water bath both to keep the glass cool (so it doesn't shatter from thermal shock) and to keep the glass powder out of the air (silcosis is bad).

At water bath is pretty easy to set up for a drill-press or a dremel, since the glass can be submerged in a bucket and the bit doesn't need to go all the way through to let the water out. Obviously, that won't work for a scollsaw.

How would one set this up on a scrollsaw?

I'm thinking of putting a catch bucket under the blade and a small hose above, and tilting the scrollsaw to keep the water as far from the motor as possible.

Has anybody done that? Any better ideas? Any suggestions on how to set up the drip?

Or is this complicated/risky enough that I ought to just wait until I can get a glass saw?

Thanks,
Rob

[Arcy]

(whoops. meant this for the tools forum, not the materials forum. I guess glass is a material )

[barny35]

Originally Posted by Arcy

Not too long ago somebody mentioned using diamond scroll-saw blades to cut glass on a scrollsaw, but my search-fu is weak today and I can't find the older thread.

I was thinking of picking up such a blade to do some cutting until I can budget a dedicated glass saw, but am not sure quite how to use it.

When cutting glass, one generally uses a fairly heavy water bath both to keep the glass cool (so it doesn't shatter from thermal shock) and to keep the glass powder out of the air (silcosis is bad).

At water bath is pretty easy to set up for a drill-press or a dremel, since the glass can be submerged in a bucket and the bit doesn't need to go all the way through to let the water out. Obviously, that won't work for a scollsaw.

How would one set this up on a scrollsaw?

I'm thinking of putting a catch bucket under the blade and a small hose above, and tilting the scrollsaw to keep the water as far from the motor as possible.

Has anybody done that? Any better ideas? Any suggestions on how to set up the drip?

Or is this complicated/risky enough that I ought to just wait until I can get a glass saw?

Thanks,
Rob

I think get glass saw.
Might damage bearings in wood saw. ?

[STEVESSAWSHOP]

First I would ask what kind of saw do you have? Some scroll saws can cut stain glass. The Rbi saw can cut glass, they offered a glass cutting kit few years back with a drip tank and 2 diamond blades. You can use a medical IV drip, it works great. The main thing is to keep the blade cool, the diamonds are held on to the rod with glue. So keeping the glue from melting will increase blade life. Rob is correct if you use a saw with unsealed bearings you will have problems because of the water and metal dust. Also you want a sealed motor. The diamond blades came in to different grits 100 grit and 150 grit. I don't use water to cool the blade, I use antifreeze for it's lubrication and it dissipates heat. Run the saw about 1/2 speed and keeping the blade cool with a drip every 2 sec. on the blade is all you need.

Steve

[Arcy]

Thanks Steve.

I have a Dremel 1671. It's definitely not designed for this and I doubt it has sealed bearings or motor. On the other hand, it cost little enough I don't mind experimenting.

I'll see if I can find an IV drip and some antifreeze and give it a try.

--Rob

[wood-n-things]

I use antifreeze for it's lubrication and it dissipates heat.

Please remember to keep pets out of your shop if you have anti-freeze open or possibly dripping on the floor unless your trying to get rid of your pet.