| Tool Name | Image | Description | Approx. Price |
| Running Pliers |
|
Running pliers are used to cleanly break glass that has been scored with a glass cutter. You position the pliers with the score line in the middle of the pliers and exert gently pressure to break the glass along the line. | $10 |
| Glass Cutter |
|
Used to score a line in the glass where you want to break it. There are a number of different types of glass cutters including dry wheel (pictured), pistol grip (dry) and pistol grip (wet). In wet cutters you usually pour in some type of oil - there are special glass cutting oils available on the market however Singer oil (used for lubricating parts on sewing machines) works just as well. |
$5 - $35 |
| Grozer Pliers |
|
Grozer pliers are used to break glass along a score line where your hand can't comfortably break it. They are also used to clean up rough edges of glass before grinding. |
$8 - $15 |
| Grinder |
|
A grinder cleans up rough glass edges and is usually the first power tool you buy when starting out with fusing. |
$90 - $240 |
| Kiln |
|
Which kiln you buy really depends on what type of work you are going to be doing. It is recommended you attend classes and practice glass for at least 12 months before you decide as kilns are generally the most expensive tool for glass artists. Alternately most places that run glass classes will allow you to 'hire' their kilns to fire your work. The upper end of the market ($10,000+) are generally for professional glass artists and commercial glass businesses. |
$500 - $10,000 |
| Water |
|
Before firing your glass you'll need to give it a really good clean. Some glass artists use water mixed with a small amount of vinegar and methylated spirits, others use plain demineralised water. | n/a |
| Clean Rags |
|
Like water, using clean rags like old clothes cut up into squares are essential for cleaning your glass. Make sure the rags are clean and only used for glass cleaning to ensure no dirt and other materials are transferred to the glass. Unclean glass can devitrify. |
n/a |
| Ruler |
|
You will need a good strong, accurate ruler to measure your glass work. Most people have a couple of different sized rulers so they can use the most 'comfortable' one depending on the size of the glass they are working with. | $5 - $20 |
| L or T Square Ruler |
|
An L or T Square ruler is essential for cutting work. The L shaped wooden rulers with a small 'lip' are especially good for getting an square cut. | $15 |
