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Glass Letter Cutting

This is the cutting out of glass letters, and includes the selection of the glass, and cutting, bevelling, and polishing. This is the most skilled branch for men and the best paid. The forms of letters are drawn on a sheet of paper; the apprentice has squares of glass which he places over the drawn letters and traces the shapes on to the glass. The form of the letters having been traced on to the surface of the glass, the squares are sent into another department to be gilded by girls; this done, they are returned to be cut into shape by a skilled workman. This part of the work requires great skill and care. The letters when shaped are passed on to men to be smoothed, rouged if necessary, bevelled, and polished. The smoothers, bevellers, and polishers, all sit at tubs containing water, and do their work by dipping the part on which they are working into water and holding it against a revolving wheel.

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General Rules for Working

Ensure the lathe is regularly greased and/or the oil level is checked.

Always work over the wheel with gentle motion when bevelling the edges of glass. work diagonally across the wheel surface. to avoid wearing a groove in the surface.

Use an even pressure against the wheel rotation to avoid vibration. Correct water amount and feed distribution is also important.

Practice by working under. When more accustomed to the process. try working over. It is more difficult to hold the glass. but facilitates observation.

An extra water cloth for weight is used for better contact with the wheel surface. Also. a 'back sponge' may be used.

Remember to keep a silicon carbide stone clean and rough by regular dressing.

Always hold glass pieces in a positive and confident manner. working slowly and gently. Efficient wheels and correct speeds do not require excessive pressure.