Glass cutter with swivel head

[Sue in NC]

I bought a Toyo custom grip glass cutter, because it is supposed to be easier getting a good score using one. My previous cutter has a fixed head and the Toyo has a swivel head. I am having problems being as accurate with the swivel head.

With the fixed head cutter, I would hold the cutter in my right hand and generally cut away from myself. My left thumb would rest on the back of the cutter head.  Putting my thumb on the Toyo's cutter head doesn't help and probably makes it worse, so I try cutting using only my right hand. I am getting a better score but a less accurate cut. Typically, the pieces cut with the Toyo are coming out too big. I am also having a dickens of a time cutting along a straight edge with the Toyo. 

Is there some specialized way a Toyo custom grip, or maybe any cutter with a swivel head, should be held?

Sue

[Kev]

I tried a swivel cutter and hated them. I learned with a fixed head and I guess I will stick with it..LOL

[Anne]

I use a Toyo too.  I cut with my right hand and put my index finger along the cutter head.  Works for me.  I've been using it for so long I don't remember if there was a learning curve in it's use but I'm sure there was.  Keep trying Sue with some scrap glass, you'll get the hang of it. It does work really well once you're used to it.

[jackie]

I kind of like holding the cutter like a pencil where you stabilize the bottom.... It makes it easier to cut


http://www.freepatternsforstainedglass.com/howtocutglass.html

http://www.freepatternsforstainedglass.com/cutting-along-a-straight-edge.html

this site called stained glass lady has a lot of good tips and she uses toyo cutters so look at it it might help... If not email her she says she answers them to help u

[Graham]

I also hate the swivel-head. You can stabilize it by loosening off the set screw, turning the head 180 degrees, then tightening - really tight - the head again.

I have sold hundreds of Toyos and we used then exclusively with our students for 25 years. Students used both fixed and swivel cutters during classes, and 99 % asked me to stabilize the head of their cutters when they bought their own.

[JudyK]

I did not like th swiveling at first. But now it is second nature and I have no problem with it. It is all waht you get used to, i think. If your old cutter works better for you. Replace it with the same.

[gws732]

I have the Toyo swivel head cutter. I love it but it did take me a short time to get use to it. I also hold  my index finger along the head. It seems to work better for me than a fixed head one that I use sometimes. I also think it is just what we get use to using.

[ct4mom]

I use the Toyo Thomas grip with swivel head and have no problems. I too use my index finger as a guide.  Its what we all get used to .

[Sue in NC]

Thank you for the help. I will try to stabilize the Toyo's head for now. After I get this project done, I will go to the hardware store and buy some cheap window glass, release the head to let it swivel, and practice, practice, practice. 

Sue

[JudyK]

I don't use my finger to stablize it. Think of it more like riding a bike. The angle you push on it will control the tip. You don't have to push hard. Move your body to go around corners. It's all in the arm and shoulder, not the wrist.

Try cutting with your table at hip hight, if you are right handed, place your body slightly turned so the right hip is against the table and your project right next to it. Now you are above your work and can see well. Also you are less likely to tip the cutter while scoring, giving you a better line. Score around a heavy paper pattern piece, rather than contact paper that you can run up on the edge of. Good Luck! These are just things to try while you are experimenting.

[glassman52]

         I now use a Toyo but have always liked a fixed head. I think you get better results from it if you cut towards you as opposed to away from you. I cut pushing away from me and it took practice to get accurate cuts. I can't say which I prefer as I like the pistol grip of the Toyo.