Silberschnitt circle cutter question

This is the main board for discussing general techniques, tools, and processes for fusing, slumping, and related kiln-forming activities.

Moderators: Brad Walker, Tony Smith

Post Reply
Shelley Lewis
Posts: 73
Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 11:14 am

Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Shelley Lewis »

Can someone please explain the pros and cons/differences of these Silberschnitt circle cutters:

1) 6 wheel turret with steel wheels
2) ball bearing carbide cutting head

Many thanks!
DonMcClennen
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2003 9:09 pm
Location: Ontario

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by DonMcClennen »

The carbide keeps it edge forever... ball bearings make this a smooth, excellent choice. I've used this to cut 12" to 24" circles for years. It's pricey but worth it.
"The Glassman"
Brad Walker
Site Admin
Posts: 1489
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2003 9:33 pm
Location: North Carolina, USA
Contact:

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Brad Walker »

Don's right. Spend the extra on the ball bearing. Mine's 15 years old and still going strong.
Kevin Midgley
Posts: 773
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 11:36 am
Location: Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Kevin Midgley »

Bert Weiss
Posts: 2339
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2003 12:06 am
Location: Chatham NH
Contact:

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Bert Weiss »

Think about it. The 6 blade design is based on the fact that these wheels wear out easily. How do you know you need to change wheels? You just pooched a sheet of glass. That is at least 6 sheets per wheel. The cost of the carbide wheel is easily justified in spades.

I use the Toyo tap wheel circle cutter. This is also expensive, and these wheels have a tendency to break in half when you drop them on the floor. But I love mine.
Bert

Bert Weiss Art Glass*
http://www.customartglass.com
Furniture Lighting Sculpture Tableware
Architectural Commissions
Terry Gallentine
Posts: 190
Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2004 2:08 pm
Location: River Falls, WI
Contact:

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Terry Gallentine »

Does anyone out there have any experience with the C.R. Laurence precision circle cutter?
Tony Smith
Posts: 1037
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2003 5:59 pm
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Contact:

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Tony Smith »

Terry Gallentine wrote:Does anyone out there have any experience with the C.R. Laurence precision circle cutter?
It looks like the Silberschnitt.

Tony
The tightrope between being strange and being creative is too narrow to walk without occasionally landing on both sides..." Scott Berkun
Bert Weiss
Posts: 2339
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2003 12:06 am
Location: Chatham NH
Contact:

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Bert Weiss »

Another point about the 6 wheel modules. These were designed to cut float glass, mostly 3mm - 6mm thick. If you break a piece of this, you are not out much money. Break a piece of gold pink Bullseye and it is a very different story.
Bert

Bert Weiss Art Glass*
http://www.customartglass.com
Furniture Lighting Sculpture Tableware
Architectural Commissions
Kevin Midgley
Posts: 773
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 11:36 am
Location: Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Kevin Midgley »

Why is everyone looking at those expensive circle cutters when you can get one with a 6 wheel head for less than $20 including the shipping from China? #-o #-o
You can through good glass suppliers get replacement carbide wheels for those turrets. They are available because even the fancy carbide cutters eventually need replacement. Might have to buy a dozen wheels but they were cheap when I did it.
Valerie Adams
Posts: 587
Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:49 pm
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Contact:

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by Valerie Adams »

I've got a few of the Silberschnitt 6-wheel circle cutters but this thread has convinced me to upgrade to the ball-bearing version.
Anyone have a good source for the best price? It's $118.50 at Bullseye.

I've got wholesale accounts with several vendors but am looking for recommendations; thanks!
DonMcClennen
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2003 9:09 pm
Location: Ontario

Re: Silberschnitt circle cutter question

Post by DonMcClennen »

I paid over $100. 10 years ago.. It was a good purchase then and it's still a good purchase now! Carbide cutter with bearings is the way to go! You are paying for Quality and dependability. :D
"The Glassman"
Post Reply