Replies

1. 
   observer | Dec 03, 2003 09:19am | #1

   I used to use a belt sander. Just had to make sure it was well supported.

2. 
   JBD | Dec 03, 2003 05:18pm | #2

   Belt sander is a good choice - make sure that you don't overheat the area being ground - will crack unexpectedly.  A file will just get ruined, and won't do a thing to the glass - its softer like sanding wood with a stick of butter.   That's why razor scraping of glass won't scratch the glass, unless a pc of grit gets in there.

3. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 03, 2003 11:38pm | #3

   The glass shop I go to uses emery belts.  I used to have fit problems but have changed my ways.  I use a 1/4" rabbet.  I take 2 measurements for each direction to the 32nd and use the shorter dimension less an 1/8th.  When I give the glass shop my dimensions to the 32nd they get the idea that I'm looking for precision and I usually get it.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

4. 
   corners | Dec 04, 2003 06:48pm | #4

   It's usually easier to "fine tune" the rabbet with a chisel, knife or plane.

   Be sure to leave some expansion room between the glass and frame as wood and glass expand differently. Framers usually make the frame 1/8" bigger than the glass/mats/backing.

5. 
   Steinmetz | Dec 05, 2003 02:34am | #5

   SB, if you mean to remove the sharp edges, here's a procedure I learned 60 years ago In a shallow tub, submerge a block of flat stone in water.

    Rub the edges and corners along the wet stone a few licks, and the glass will not cut your skin AND, will refuse to break unless you really bang it hard. Stein.

6. 
   jazzdogg | Dec 06, 2003 05:47am | #6

   SBerruezo,

   Shops that specialize in stained glass sell glass grinding machines.

   It's essentially a plastic table and enclosure that houses an electric motor driving a small water-cooled (wet sponge & well) diamond-impregnated wheel.

   Using one is a lot like using a router table: You lay your glass on the table and slowly run it past the spinning wheel.

   They're simple and relatively inexpensive.

   Good luck,
   Paul

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.