Templates

I see a lot of queries about how to keep the template both water proof and continue to stick to the glass during grinding. I also see pictures and videos of people scoring some distance away from the template.

It makes me wonder what the templates are for? Wouldn’t drawing the line with a paint marker work just as well, if you intend to grind lots of glass off to get the required shape? Yes, there are occasions when it is not possible to directly break an inside curve, also times when such minor adjustments are required that the grinder is the only sensible way to get it done. So, I am not advocating the elimination of grinders.

Instead I am advocating that everyone scores against the edge of the template. What else is it for but to get accurate cuts? The score done at the edge of the template will be a guide when grinding, so it won't matter whether the template sticks or not.

More importantly, cutting along the edge of the template reduces the amount of grinding to done. There will be less tedium because the grinding take less time. There will be less expense in replacing the grinding bits. Less grinding gives more time to do the other enjoyable bits of making stained glass windows.

Practising accurate cuts with or without templates will be rewarded with ease of fitting, less grinding, and with transparent glass there is no necessity for templates at all. The European method of cutting transparent glass directly over the cartoon, eliminates the need for templates, although they still are needed for dense opalescent glass.

Accurate scoring and breaking saves time, wear on machinery, hand tiredness, reduces noise, mess and clean up. With accurate scoring and breaking, the level of enjoyment increases.