It’s easier to damage glass than most people might think. A tiny chip of glass on the table surface can scratch the bottom of a sheet, lift it up just enough to disrupt the cutting, or end up under your hand as you reach for another tool. In addition to the pattern paper and the cut glass, your small glass cutting table must now also serve as your workstation.
Select a table or countertop that can accommodate your glass sheet pattern paper, glass cutter and pliers, sanding pad and waste container. The glass should not be allowed to overhang the edge, or sit part-way on other tools. Be sure the table does not wobble, as it may make cutting pressure difficult to gauge and breaking more unpredictable. A work mat can make the glass sit more securely and can also protect the surface.
Clear the area where you plan to work. Set cups, phones, papers, rags and other loose objects aside. Then wipe down the table and check to see if there are any dust, chips, or other small particles visible. Do not run your bare hand over the surface. Use a brush, rag or piece of paper to wipe off anything you see, and then dispose of the debris in the container provided. Be sure protective glasses and cut-resistant gloves are readily available.
Decide where your glass tools will be positioned. The glass cutter should be placed just to the right or left of your dominant hand. The running pliers or the breaking pliers should be within reach without you having to cross in front of the glass sheet. Move the sanding pad out of the way of the working area, as the glass dust from sanding could end up on the clean area. If you use a glass marker, place it in a designated area after writing on the glass and replace the cap so the pen does not roll onto your project.
Light is essential when scoring glass. Be sure you do not allow glare to obscure any surface residues or the score line itself. When cutting clear, colored or frosted glass, leave an empty, clean workspace so that you can do a quick light check of any remaining glass pieces and see which pieces fit the pattern. Make sure your working area is arranged in such a way that you can comfortably stand directly in front of the pattern and glass to view them. Be sure that your lighting illuminates the entire working surface, but does not cause the pattern to become unreadable.
After every score and break, pause to reorganize the table. Remove the glass scraps, recheck for sharp chips and debris that have accumulated and then move the glass on to a safe and clean table for smoothing, decorating or storage. This is the perfect time to check the finished shape against the pattern before sanding or decorating. While it may seem like a break in momentum, a well-ordered table can prevent the next score from being ruined by glass dust, or a small piece of glass from sliding beneath the working sheet.
A safer table does not have to look the part of a professional glass shop. It simply needs to be steady, clean, well lit, and organized to the extent that your arms do not have to sweep across sharp items when you are reaching for the next tool. When this occurs, you are ready to pick up the glass cutter, the table is clear, the patterns are easy to follow, and every tiny piece has its place.