Taurus Ring Saws

I was wondering if someone could tell me more about the ring saws I see mentioned now and then.

Will these cut glass (stained) similar to the kind of detail a jigsaw can cut wood? I've been using a hand glass cutter for some time and often get frustrated at not being able to follow a pattern closely due to the inability to see through the cutter to follow the pattern!

Is a ring saw good for small, intricate pieces or just for large?

Thank you

Reply to
JoeB
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Ring saws will let you cut detail - you have to cut slowly and not force it to avoid breaking the blade. It can be pretty tedious. Except for special circumstances, it is likely that making the general cut of pieces with a glass cutter then work the details with a saw or grinder. Normally, when you are cutting details in glass you make several copies of the pattern, cut out the pieces of the pattern allowing for the thickness of the lead/foil and either draw around the pattern on the glass or cut directly around the paper pattern (if you are good.)

Reply to
Mike Firth

Yeah! i just got it out and dusted off getting ready to move. first 100$ add shipping, includes little 'extras' like grommets, whatever else i have laying around. I also would be willing to part with my hothead torch stuff, never have time to play anymore ;>( best offer! m

Reply to
Michele Blank

It's a great gadget, not a primary tool for glass cutting. I use mine maybe once a month for specialty stuff. Learn to cut by hand. Attend a class at your local SG shop where you can learn to do it the right way. Good luck!

Reply to
JKSinrod

Andy

Reply to
neoglassic

I just bought one for my teenager to use for her Senior project in school it was a horses head and the only to do it was with this saw, I have wanted one for yrs, but didn't want to spend the $ 300 for it until now, like the ones before me have said it's very very noisy but wow when you get used to it you can make some neat stuff, make all the cuts you can by hand and use the ring saw for the impossible cuts that will leave people saying wow how did you do that...

Reply to
racing John

IMO, a ring saw is like a fishing lure display. They catch more fishermen than they do fish.

First, they are noisy to operate.

Second, the bearings and guides are junk plastic that wear out rapidly.

Third, I betcha there'll be several people on this forum that will gladly sell you theirs. Michele?

Reply to
Moonraker

For real tricky cuts and where you may be using some expensive glass, the Taurus Ring Saw is a good tool to have. However, like the others have said, you may may use it every once in a while. For the most part, you'll be doing things by hand. It may become an expensive dust collector that makes tons of noise when used. I'll use it when time is in a pinch and need to make one of those tricky cuts to move on with the project. With practice, you should be able to do just about anything by hand. In most cases, doing it by hand is faster anyway.

"...often get frustrated at not being able to follow a pattern closely due to the inability to see through the cutter to follow the pattern!"

Hummmm... try different techniques of scoring the glass(i.e., pulling or pushing the cutter away from you, or looking around to the side, front or back of the cutter)and find what works best for you. Use good light when cutting. Good light is always important to see what you are doing. Also, a good quality cutter that considers ergonomics may help you; perhaps like a pistol grip cutter. In my own opinion, some of those cheap cutters that sell for about $2 will do the job, but I find them hard to handle due to the size of my hand and lack of strength. Then there are those who swear by them and use them all the time. So it comes down to preference and what makes you comfortable cutting glass.

However, I suggest just practicing your cutting techniques on scrap pieces of glass and don't be afraid to experiment. As the old axiom goes; practice makes perfect.

JoeB wrote:

Reply to
John

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