Smoothing edges of cut glass

[dedee]

Anyone know the name of a type of sandpaper that can be used to smooth the edges of cut glass? And where it can be purchased?

Andy

 

[Colin C]

Hi Andy
I think one of the best ways to do this is to use an old oil stone or a cheap one .

 

[SketchUp Guru]

I've used the black sandpaper with success but I prefer emery cloth. the fabric backing is heavy enough that it doesn't tend to get cut through. Just back it up with a block of hardwood.

 

[dedee]

Colin, that was my solution.

The reason I asked about a sandpaper is that my father has, for many years, used a block of wood with the paper stuck into a groove. A single pass along a cut edge leaves a nice smmoth finish. The sandpaper has now worn out and he was keen to replace it.

Andy

 

[dedee]

Dave,
Thanks. The cloth backed emery paper that we tried needed several passes before it achieved the smae degree of smoothness as the old stuff. Maybe we have too finer grit.

Andy

 

[Scrit]

The other material is blue zirconium abrasive belts as used buy engineering firms. That's what they use in some glass edge polishesr

Scrit

 

[jasonB]

A diamond sharpening ston with a bit of water soon takes the edge off.

The Permagrit products are also suitable for glass, they do "paper" or blocks.

Jason

 

[Drew]

you can actually buy diamond pads specifically for glass Try Here go onto the online shop select tools and select grindingtools. I have nothing to do with this business I just buy from them.

Drew

 

[dedee]

Jason,
that Permagrit sheet looks very similar to what the old man has - thanks.

Drew, thanks for the link. I think we will take the ever so slightly cheaper option for know :lol:

Andy

 

[Knot Competent]

It all depends on what you're using the glass for. If you want to smooth the edge because it will be exposed, there's a real case for using toughened glass, which ensures the edges are smoother than you can achieve with a stone or abrasive paper. And I can buy toughened glass cheaper than I can buy the same thickness cut to size by my local supplier, but then I buy quite a bit of it.

John