Buy Stained Glass

Perhaps the biggest initial investment for the new stained glass hobbyist is a quality stained glass grinder. While a grinder is technically an optional tool for this hobby, having one certainly makes a huge difference in both the amount of time needed to finish a piece and the quality of the final work of art. If the decision has been made to buy a grinder, then choosing the best one for your needs is a good thing to consider.

(continued below)

Stained Glass Tools -INLAND WIZLING CG GRINDER (2752CG) US $99.95 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 19:12:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

Stained Glass Tools -INLAND WIZARD IV GRINDER (27504) US $179.95 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 19:12:58 PDT   | Watch this Item

Stained Glass Tools - INLAND WIZ CG GRINDER (2751CG) US $119.95 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 19:13:11 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW INLAND WIZ CG STAINED GLASS GRINDER + SHIELD + MORE US $139.50 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Sep-06-2010 5:04:43 PDT   | Watch this Item

STAINED GLASS DELUXE BEGINNER TOOL KIT/INLAND GRINDER US $315.00 Auction Ends: Monday Sep-06-2010 10:11:17 PDT   | Watch this Item

3/4" STAINED GLASS GRINDER BIT HEAD 4 INLAND OR GLASTAR US $9.99 Auction Ends: Monday Sep-06-2010 10:30:36 PDT   | Watch this Item

Inland Wizling CG Diamond Grinder - used US $59.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Sep-06-2010 15:10:07 PDT   | Watch this Item

Inland WB-1 3/4" Diamond Grinder Bit US $0.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 11:39:56 PDT   | Watch this Item

The stained glass grinder is used near the middle of the work on a piece of stained glass. After the pattern has been decided and the shapes transferred to the sheets of glass, the glass is cut as accurately as possible. Cutting perfect pieces of stained glass is never easy, even for the intermediate or advanced artists. There are often areas that are too wide or that were cut at an angle that is not perfectly perpendicular.

This is where the grinder comes into play. A stained glass grinder is basically a work surface with a circular spinning bit protruding upwards near one edge. This bit is a diamond coated cylinder that spins very rapidly. The roughly cut pieces of glass are lightly pressed against the spinning edge of the grinder which whizzes off small amounts until the glass piece is an accurate replica of the desired shape.

Choosing a good quality grinder is not very difficult if you consider two main factors. The first and most obvious is the price of the available grinders. Most typical grinders range in price from $80 to $130. There are several types that have extra features that can be purchased for upwards of $500, but these are not necessary for any beginner or intermediate glass artist. If your funds are limited, there are many quality grinders available for less than $100 so you still have many options to choose from.

The second feature to consider is the surface area of your potential stained glass grinder. Typical surface areas are anywhere from 6 x 10 (inches) to 9 x 10 (inches). Some grinders will be smaller and others may have larger surface areas to work on. The amount of surface area comes into play mostly if one is working on panels or suncatchers that have large pieces in it. For most beginners, though, their artwork will likely be made up of smaller pieces of glass so almost any grinder will work.

After you have chosen your price range, you need to decide on a brand. I personally have always used an Inland grinder and it has lasted a decade with no signs of wearing down. Another great brand is Glastar. Between these two companies, you are sure to find a quality grinder you will enjoy for years to come.