Can I cut glass with a dremel?

Question

...I need to cut a cigar tube's closed end to make it an open end (i.e. just a glass tube)....will a dremel do this safely or will I just break the glass? How could I go about cutting the end off a closed tube?

Answer 1

It might not be a good idea.

I always heard that you should cut glass by scoring it, then breaking it off in a controlled manner (with pliers or something like that)

Answer 2

You'd need a diamond coated burr attachment.

Answer 3

A really sharp utility knife would work best. Glass has to be wet.

Answer 4

Yes. Here's how. To make the cut, you require the diamond tipped tool that comes with the tool (such as a Dremel or any similar high speed multipurpose tool) or purchase one. They look like a small ball stuck on the end of the shaft. I cut from both sides and had someone spraying water using an atomizer bottle on it the entire time. This cooled the bit and glass, also providing some lubrication and avoiding the generation of glass dust. A dam around the hole to hold in the water over the cut doesn't work very well, since the glass/water slurry will obscure your vision of the cut.

Do not force the bit to cut the glass, this does not speed up the process. Just let the bit do the work and gently pass around the hole taking a small amount of glass out at a time.

If you have access to a Dremel or similar tool don't be afraid to have a go at drilling your own holes.

Answer 5

I think it would work if you're careful, You arent trying to cut the glass, just grind it away