Stained glass is an art form that is bound to astonish you. The beauty and magnificence of stained glass will leave you spellbound! Such is the glory of this aesthetic craft. If windows panes, shelves, and lamps made of stained glass attract you, we suggest you try your hand at this hobby.
But what helps make this art form so intricate? You got it right, glass cutters. They help cut out different shapes and patterns on your glass sheet. Now you might be wondering what is the best glass cutter for you, and we are here to help.
Out of the several cutters available, let’s find out the Best Stained Glass Cutter for you!
Quick Summary
Editor’s Choice: Toyo Pistol Grip Glass Cutter
“Smooth operation. Comfortable. Patented tap-wheel technology. Easy to use and affordable”
Budget Buy: Perfect Score Professional Heavy Duty Glass Cutter
“Comfortable, slip-free support. Affordable and guarantees excellent results.”
Best Pencil Grip Cutter: Toyo Acrylic Comfort Grip Glass Cutter
“Superior quality materials. Long-lasting. Excellent tool for beginners and experts.”
Best High-End Cutter: Strip and Circle Glass Cutter
“High-end and specialized. Excellent results. Portable and easy to manage.”
Best Stained Glass Cutter
Award | Design | Stained Glass Tools | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
design of this cutter enables excellent control | Check Price | ||
comfortable grip ensures ease of use. | Check Price | ||
lightweight and guarantees durability | Check Price | ||
affordable and easy to use | Check Price | ||
superior quality materials | Check Price | ||
It carves perfect circles and gives impressive results | Check Price | ||
patented tap-wheel technology | Check Price | ||
Lightweight and durable | Check Price | ||
solid and durable | Check Price | ||
suitable for heavy-duty work | Check Price |
1- Glass Cutter Tool Set Pencil Style
design of this cutter enables excellent control
Durable, solid, and versatile, this glass cutter is ideal for the DIYer in you looking to do stained glass projects. If you’re wondering what makes this cutter the most popular choice, you too shall be convinced when we mention its attractive and desirable characteristics.
With its ergonomic design, the cutter is threaded to make it slip-resistant. This design enables a comfortable grip to work for a long duration. In addition, it employs a strong diamond carbide blade that delivers smooth operation.
It also comes with two other blades and a screwdriver to suit various glass sheets with different thicknesses, making it suitable for 2-20mm glass cutting. The cutter is lightweight, making it easily portable. It can be stored anywhere, given its small size.
The round tapping head comprises premium steel, which is well polished and does not get worn off quickly. This head makes it easier to split the glass after cutting. It also consists of an oil dropper with which you can insert coal oil in the handle to ensure the head runs smoothly.
It has an overall rating of 4.1 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon and enjoys a nice set of reviews by verified buyers.
Reasons to Buy
- The design of this cutter enables excellent control and makes it skid-resistant. In addition, it’s robust and durable.
Reasons to Avoid
- The oil tends to leak when the cutter is not in use, so it is essential to clean it before storing it.
Our take on the product: It works flawlessly with the oil, and the two other blades make it suitable for all stained glass projects. The cutter is affordable and reliable!
2- Pack Pistol Grip Oil Feed Glass Cutter – Heavy Duty
comfortable grip ensures ease of use.
This glass cutter is an excellent choice for all stained glass lovers and enthusiasts because it is affordable and durable.
These are factory outlet cutters and tend to last up to 25 times as compared to other cutters. In addition, the wheel of this cutter comprises carbide steel to make it more durable.
The shape of its handle resembles that of a pistol. This shape results in a comfortable grip, reducing the strain on wrists to work for a long duration. In addition, oiling the handle ensures that the cutter operates smoothly.
It offers ultrasonic welding, and the head of the cutter is replaceable. The overall rating of this cutter is 4.2 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Reasons to Buy
- This two-pack cutter is affordable as it offers two cutters at the price of only one. In addition, the comfortable grip ensures ease of use.
Reasons to Avoid
- The oil tends to spill often. Also, it is difficult for beginners to use as there are no instructions on the package.
Our take on the product: It is a great product, given its price. Lightweight, shiny and durable, this is ideal for people who have weak wrists and are looking for a comfortable choice.
3- IMT Pistol Grip Professional Stained Glass Cutting Tool
lightweight and guarantees durability
This IMT Pistol cutter is durable and delivers a smooth operation. So if you want your imagination to run wild with your stained glass projects, this cutter will help you make all your dream shapes and designs.
The wheel of the cutter is made of Tungsten carbide, which makes it long-lasting and ensures that this cutter outlasts others by up to 30 times. Tungsten keeps the wheel rust-free and offers greater penetration. Its head equips industrial-grade frosted iron, which makes it resistant to rust.
The IMT Pistol cutter has a pistol-like design which makes it comfortable to hold and reduces fatigue of the hand. It is also skid-free to ensure that it functions without disruptions. In addition, the use of oil will lubricate the cutter to give better performance.
This glass cutter is lightweight and small-sized, which makes it portable and easy to manage. It fits perfectly for all hand sizes. The product comes with two cutter heads to suit 2-6mm thick glass and 6-12mm thick glass.
The IMT glass cutter has an overall rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Reasons to Buy
- This glass cutter is lightweight and guarantees durability. In addition, the grip is comfortable and slip-resistant.
Reasons to Avoid
- The oil leaks, often making it messy to work with it. There were several complaints about the head wiggling.
Our take on the product: This glass cutter gives excellent value for money. It is solid and durable, keeps your hands free from strain, and guarantees fabulous results. The glass cutter deserves a thumbs up from the stained glass lovers in us.
4- IMT Pencil Style Oil Feed Glass Cutter
affordable and easy to use
Several bells and whistles make this IMT Pencil Cutter attractive. But first, we’ll talk about durability and comfort.
The head of this cutter comprises industrial-grade frosted iron, which keeps it free from rust and ensures long life. In addition, the wheel of this cutter is made of tungsten carbide, which increases the lifespan of this IMT cutter by up to 30 times compared to other cutters.
It equips an oil feed system that automatically disposes drops of oil which keeps the cutter’s wheel lubricated to offer smooth operation. The product comes with two cutter heads to suit 2-6mm thick glass and 6-12mm thick glass.
The slip-resistant design of the handle enables a comfortable grip on the users. The head rotates 360 degrees to suit various needs. This glass cutter is lightweight and can be carried from one place to another easily.
The IMT Pencil Style Cutter has an average of 4.2 stars out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Reasons to Buy
- This glass cutter is affordable and easy to use. It is lightweight and gives a comfortable grip.
Reasons to Avoid
- It demands more pressure while cutting through thick glass.
Our take on the product: It has all the features that make it a desirable product. This glass cutter is the perfect choice for beginners and experts alike, giving 100% satisfactory results.
5- Strip and Circle Glass Cutter
superior quality materials
This glass cutter is a high-end and specialized product capable of providing the best results to make your stained glass art look professional.
The Glastar Stripper & Circle Cutter has a three-point base which keeps its position secure and stable even while working on rough surfaces.
It is suitable for cutting strips from 0.5 to 12 inches in width. It can also cut circles of 3 to 25 inches in diameter. This glass cutter is lightweight, making it portable and easy to manage.
This glass cutter allows you to cut shapes like Circles, Rectangles, Squares, Diamonds, and Trapezoids easily without straining your hands.
Reasons to Buy
- The glass cutter employs superior quality materials that deliver excellent results.
Reasons to Avoid
- This product can be challenging to get used to for beginners. Getting familiar with this cutter is time consuming.
Our take on the product: Avoiding this glass cutter as a beginner is a wise choice because it takes a lot of practice and expertise. However, if you think you’re there already, this is a great deal.
6- B BLOOMOAK Heavy Duty Glass Cutter Tool Set
It carves perfect circles and gives impressive results
The Bloomoak glass cutter will make things easier to help you dive into the world of stained glass and discover its many possibilities. Convenience and professional finish are two things this cutter does not compromise on.
It employs fine quality materials that make this cutter reliable. The circular cutter is made of polished golden metal that looks attractive and appealing. In addition, the cutter’s wheel is made of industrial-grade tungsten carbide, which increases its lifespan.
The unique design of this glass cutter makes it stand apart from the rest. The circular handle fits perfectly in your palm. If you’re wondering how this design functions, the suction cup keeps the body stable, and the cutter head cuts a circle. This cup keeps the cutter from shaking to carve excellent cuts.
It offers accuracy and precision as it cuts a perfect circle for the perfectionist in you. Its ruler is marked with both centimeters and inches to make it easy to use. Equipped with a system of automatic oil dispensers, it makes cutting a smooth dance!
The overall rating of this glass cutter is 4.2 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Reasons to Buy
- This glass cutter is easy to use and is affordable. It carves perfect circles and gives impressive results.
Reasons to Avoid
- The suction cup is not very robust. As a result, it does not keep the body stable and keeps moving.
Our take on the product: This glass cutter is the future of glass cutting owing to its perfect circle cuts on smooth surfaces. It is affordable and works even on thick mirrors. A go-to product if you are a perfectionist!
7- Toyo Pistol Grip Glass Cutter
patented tap-wheel technology
If you’re familiar with glass cutters, you would know that Toyo is one of the most popular brands in this field. It has been one of the leading and trusted producers of glass cutters.
The pistol-like grip of the cutter results in smooth operation. It is comfortable to use and does not strain the hands.
However, what gives this cutter an edge over all other products is its patented tap wheel technology. This tap-wheel produces micro-vibrations so that the wheel can penetrate deeper without much effort.
The tap-wheel is made of carbide steel which makes it durable to last longer than other cutters. In addition, it gives cleaner results with smooth edges to help you cut through glass like a pro!
It also employs an oil reservoir that automatically dispenses oil to keep the wheel lubricated. The replaceable cutter heads offer consistent results that are up to the mark of professional standards.
These pistol cutters are available in four different fluorescent colors to meet your needs. It is lightweight and is portable. This has an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Reasons to Buy
- The most impressive feature of this pistol cutter is the patented tap-wheel technology. It gives excellent results using optimum resources. For beginners, this tool is easy to use and affordable.
Reasons to Avoid
- The oiling system is not highly efficient. As a result, it leaks after a while and does not meet its purpose.
Our take on the product: This is one of the most recommended cutters, and rightly so. Its features are incredible, making this ideal for beginners entering into the arena of stained glass. In addition, they are durable and comfortable. We highly recommend this cutter!
8- Toyo Custom-Grip Supercutter
Lightweight and durable
This cutter by Toyo is one of the best pencil grip cutters that exist in the market. Combining the benefits of both pistol grip and pencil grip, this cutter is designed to deliver only the best.
You can adjust the grip of this cutter to fit your hand size owing to its unique four-position saddle. This feature relieves strain from your hands and provides a comfortable, firm grip to cut and score glass.
It employs patented tap-wheel technology to ensure deeper penetration to give smooth edges. In addition, they use superior quality materials that make these cutters durable, and they last up to 25 times longer than others.
The Toyo cutter also has an oil reservoir that automatically dispenses oil to keep the wheel lubricated. These are available in six different colors to meet your needs.
It is lightweight and portable. In addition, the cutter’s wheel is made of carbide steel, giving the cutter a long life.
Reasons to Buy
- It is an affordable glass cutter that suits the users’ needs. Lightweight and durable, this product is ideal for stained glass lovers.
Reasons to Avoid
- For beginners, it may be time-consuming to get used to this product.
Our take on the product: Toyo is a reliable brand, and this glass cutter lives up to the reputation of the brand. It enjoys a set of warm reviews on Amazon and is a fabulous choice for stained glass enthusiasts.
9- Toyo Acrylic Comfort Grip Glass Cutter
solid and durable
Another one of Toyo’s excellent products, this cutter guarantees excellent results that come at an affordable price!
Its design particularly supports stained glass works that leave a professional-like finish on your projects. It is lightweight and thus, portable, making it easy to use.
The unique design of this cutter with a tapered barrel renders it suitable for every hand size. It is equipped with a Lexan oil reservoir which automatically oils the wheel for smooth operation.
This Toyo cutter comprises superior quality materials, which makes it long-lasting and results in clean scores.
It is available in six different appealing colors, and this Toyo cutter has an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Reasons to Buy
- This Toyo cutter is solid and durable. The lightweight body makes it portable, and the six different color options make it a desirable tool.
Reasons to Avoid
- Most complaints on Amazon suggest that the head of this cutter is broad and not narrow as the image depicts.
Our take on the product: The Toyo cutter is an excellent tool for beginners and experts of stained glass art with its incredible set of features. This tool delivers top-notch performance and offers a professional quality finish.
10- Perfect Score Professional Heavy Duty Glass Cutter
suitable for heavy-duty work
This glass cutter is appropriate for heavy-duty, professional work. All stained glass enthusiasts have taken a liking to this product.
The pencil-style handgrip offers comfortable, slip-free support to users for trouble-free operation. There is an oil reservoir in the metal handle of the cutter, which automatically dispenses oil to keep the wheel lubricated.
It has a replaceable cutting head to suit your requirements. Additionally, the broad head of the cutter is excellent for various cuts. The cutter’s wheel comprises carbide, which makes it durable and rigid.
The average rating of this tool is 4.4 stars on Amazon.
Reasons to Buy
- This glass cutter is affordable and guarantees excellent results. It is suitable for heavy-duty work as opposed to other cutters.
Reasons to Avoid
- The oil leaks from the reservoir which spills around
Our take on the product: This is a fantastic tool for its price. It is apt for professional work and gives impressive results.
Stained Glass Cutter Buying Guide
Budget:
Before purchasing any tool, we would recommend you set up a budget. Deciding how much money you’re willing to spend ensures that you do not overspend and helps you look for tools that fit your price range.
Size:
Another essential feature to look into before purchasing a glass cutter is considering its size. If you have small hands, you must look for small cutters that offer you comfort and convenience.
If the size of the cutter does not match the size of your hand, it will only make the work challenging and lousy.
Handle Type
The type of handle you’re looking for decides the grip of the cutter. It can be
Pencil grip: Just like a pencil, you must apply pressure with your wrists to make it work. This grip enables precision and accuracy.
Pistol grip: This offers a pistol grip and provides a comfortable hold on the cutter. We do not recommend this for projects demanding intricacy.
Custom grip: This is the most suitable for people having weak hands or fingers, as it combines the features of both types of grips.
Oil Reservoir:
It is wise to choose those glass cutters with an inbuilt automatic oil reservoir that can lubricate the wheels for operational efficiency.
The friction caused by scoring can heat the wheel that requires to be cooled down. Oil can keep the wheel cool to offer better results.
Material of Cutting Wheel:
The material of the cutting wheel can either be steel or tungsten carbide. It is easy to find a replacement for steel wheels, but they are not long-lasting.
Tungsten carbide, on the other hand, tends to last longer and can retain better heat. It is advised to go for cutters that employ tungsten carbide.
Conclusion
The right set of tools can make your favorite hobby a smooth sail. However, it becomes tiring to find the right tool. A glass cutter is an essential piece of equipment for stained glass artwork. It can help you cut through glass like a breeze and make stained glass fun.
Cutting glass is a dangerous activity. We recommend you wear protective gear at all times to keep yourself safe from tiny pieces of glasses. Using gloves and wearing face masks are among the many precautions you must undertake before you start cutting glass.
We recommend the Toyo Pistol Grip Glass Cutter for all you glass lovers because of its charming set of features that make it stand apart from the rest of the glass cutters. Toyo glass cutters are affordable, lightweight, and easy to use. Beginners and experts will fall in love with this tool.
The availability of so many glass cutters can overwhelm a potential buyer, which is why we have curated a list of the Best Stained Glass Cutter in 2021 to help you get your ideal glass cutting buddy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick of a piece of glass can these cut?
These types of cutters are best on almost 1/8th inch or less glass, although it can go a bit thicker, but probably not as much as 1/4 inch. It depends on how skilled you are at cutting glass. Some of our cutters are special cutters in mentioned lists for thicker glass. Strictly speaking, these ‘score’ or ‘scratch’ glass, which weakens the surface and allows it to break along the line. Once the glass is scored, there are numerous ways to break along the score.
Are these products come with oil or do I have to buy the oil separately?
Some of our mentioned cutters have oil but a few have not. However, you can buy separately on Amazon. You can Search oils for cutters that have the best ratings. Oils are not so costly that’s why you can purchase them separately.
Can this be used to cut plastic prescription lenses to trim them smaller?
No, the glasscutter can only be used to cut glass. It scores glass, which can then be snapped. I have recommended some type of water-cooled, variable speed grinder for the plastic already you can find on amazon easily
Are these stained glass cutters leak, drip, etc.?
Do not fill the oil Reservoir! Only put in just enough to cover the tip end. … In addition, do not overtighten the threaded plug or you will crack the plastic reservoir. I have had a number of Cutters for over 15 years and working smoothly. The recommended tip is to store it on its side so that the oil does not drip into the head.
Can we use this on ceramic wall tiles or china dishes?
These are wet grinders. Not a lot of power, but I believe these would work to smooth edges not necessarily take off many of the ceramic arts, but more too smooth.