Cutting around the Pattern

When beginning the cutting process I always get all the tools I will need out and within reach beforehand. I have a pencil grip and pistol grip score cutter, they use the same scoring heads but pistol grip works best on straight cuts where curves I have an easier time with the pencil grip. I always take small swoops with deeper curves, as if slicing small strips until I find my grinding point. I also use two different types of splitting pliers. One for straight and one for curves to semi-circles. I use a flat snapping pliers for any type of wanted breakage or easy sharp shard removal. Getting a feel for glass with these tools is a trail and error process. Curves and bends can snap where glasses were melded and has folds from when it was formed. Always cut the backside or smooth side of the glass. Making sure the pattern is adhered to the glass make small cuts as close to the pattern as possible without snapping beneath the pattern. If the glass snaps across or beneath the pattern you will need to be place the pattern onto a new glass and you have to start over. Now onto the grinding process!