Minnie Traction – Cutting Water Gauge Glass

[Malcolm FarrantParticipant @malcolmfarrant93389]

Since my last question I went off in other directions,

I am now back to the Water Gauge. Yes I am going to try and make my own (fingers crossed !!)

I have the necessaary piece of glass tube, but will I think need to cut it. Does anyone have a good idea as to a simple way of doing this ?

In anticipation thanks.

Now all I need is for ENGLAND TO WIN

Best wishes

Malcolm Farrant

[Malcolm FarrantParticipant @malcolmfarrant93389]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I rolled mine under a Stanley Knife blade which scores it then just snap it.

If you have an electric tile cutter the wet diamond disc on those will go through glass easily or you can buy cutters for just this job on e-bay that look a bit like a pipe cutter..

[Brian GParticipant @briang]

I have used a triangular diamond file to score all around, then bend over a matchstick or similar.

Brian

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Is it glass or plastic tube ?

If glass, wrap both sides of where you want to cut the tube with insulation tape and cut with a thin Dremel grinding disc. (have also used 1mm angle grinder blade for cutting 1/2" dia glass tube. the tape absorbs vibration and prevents breakage). Then heat the end of the tube with oxy torch to melt the cut surface to prevent cracking.

Paul.

[Harry WilkesParticipant @harrywilkes58467]

Like many others I used a file until I came across one of these link

H

[Malcolm FarrantParticipant @malcolmfarrant93389]

Thank you all for your helpfull comments and ideas.

It does not look as difficult as I thought it might be !!

Best wishes

Malcolm

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Used to cut test tubes with steel wire.

glass cold and the wire bent to match the curve of the glass. (bit like a shepherds crook) heat the wire red hot and firmly touch it to the glass.

[Author]

Posts