STRIP/CIRCLE CUTTER
Archived User Guide for models made prior to 9-1999

Introduction

There is no doubt that the Inland Strip/Circle Cutter is the finest tool of its kind in the world. It is also the best value. We are proud you selected this fine Inland product to add to your collection of glass working tools. We hope as a result of your experience with it you will select other Inland products in the future.

Please read this guide thoroughly. It was written to make our use of the Strip/Circle Cutter more enjoyable and to demonstrate that it is very versatile.

Safety

• We recommend that you wear full eye goggles as the most adequate protection for your eyes.
• Handle your glass carefully

Circle Cutting

Assembly

To get a good, clean score you need to allow for at least 1" of glass around the entire diameter of the circle you are making. You can make circles from 1.5" (3.8 cm) to 13" (33 cm) in diameter.

1. Insert the "A" -"B" end of the brass strip into the tripod until it stops and tighten the thumb screw.
2. Slide the Turret holder onto the opposite end of the brass strip with the cutting wheels facing inward toward the tripod base.

Measuring and Scoring the Circle

1. Adjust the turret holder to the radius of the circle you want to cut. The scale reads the radius, not the diameter of the circle. To determine the radius, divide the desired diameter by 2.
2. An alternative method of measuring the circle is to:
   1. Select the center point of the circle on the glass and mark with a small dot using a felt tip pen.
   2. Use a ruler to measure to the radius of your circle and mark with a dot.
   3. Place the bottom pointer of the tripod over the center dot.
   4. Slide the turret out to the radius dot and tighten in place.
3. Before scoring the circle, make a practice sweep with the cutter not in contact with the glass to ensure you can complete the score in a single, uninterrupted motion. They easiest way to do this is to:
   
   1. Use your left thumb to hold the tripod in place.
   2. Place the turret at about the 7 o'clock position on the circle.
   3. Take your right hand over your left hand and grasp the turret knob.
   4. Bring the turret around in a clockwise direction until you reach the beginning of your score. At this point your right hand will now be under your left.
   5. Make sure that you have left enough room around your work area so that the bar won't hit or bump anything while you are making the score.
4. Apply enough downward pressure on the tripod with your thumb to prevent it from moving as you begin scoring your circle.
5. After completing the score, use one of the methods below to break out your circle.

Breaking the Score
Method 1: Tapping

1. The glass must be properly supported at all times. For small pieces of glass you can hold it in one hand while tapping with the other. For larger pieces, set the glass on your work table and slide about 2"-3" over the edge. Tap that portion and then rotate the piece until the score is completely run.
2. Using the ball end of your glass cutter, gently tap the underside of the glass around the score until a visible break is visible around the entire circumference of the circle.
3. Score the glass from the edge up to the circle (don't cross the circle score line!) at four equally spaced points using your hand held cutter. Tap these scores until they run to the circle. Use breaker or running pliers to gently separate the surrounding pieces from the circle.

Method 2: Using Breaker Pliers

1. Place the glass on your work table with the scored area extending over the edge about an inch.
2. Hold down the center of the glass firmly with the palm of one hand.
3. Use a pair of breaking pliers with the nose of the pliers parallel to the score. Use a gentle lever action to run the score.
4. Rotate the glass and repeat until you have run the score around the entire circle.
5. Score the glass from the edge up to the circle at four equally spaced points (don't cross the circle score line!) using your hand held cutter. Tap these scores until they run to the circle. Use breaker or running pliers to gently separate the surrounding pieces from the circle.

Method 3: Newspaper

1. Take a few sheets of newspaper and fold them together until you create a pad of several layers. The pad must be slightly larger than the piece of glass.
2. Turn the sheet of glass over onto the paper (score side down) and with your thumb or the ball of your cutter , gently press downward until the score starts to run. Move to just where the score stopped and press again. Repeat until the score is run entirely around the circumference of the circle.
3. Flip the glass over onto your work surface and Score the glass from the edge up to the circle at four equally spaced points (don't cross the circle score line!) using your hand held cutter. Use breaker or running pliers to gently separate the surrounding pieces from the circle.

Strip Cutting

The Inland Strip Cutter is unique. You can cut strips on a work surface with a raised 1" x 2" border or on the edge of the glass itself. You can make strips from 5/8"(1.6 cm) to 12.25" (31 cm) wide.

Method 1: Using a raised edge
Assembly:

1. Hold the strip guide in your hand with the border edge in your palm. Insert the brass strip "A" -"B" end first until just the "B" line is visible. Tighten the thumb screw.
2. Slide the turret holder onto the other end of the brass strip with the cutting wheels facing the strip guide.
3. Measure the strip length by adding 1" to the width you want to cut. For example: If you want to cut a 2.25" strip, set the inside edge of the turret at the 3.25" mark.

Cutting:

1. Start with a square sheet of glass and but the edge of it against the raised 1"x 2" border piece. Place the strip guide on the edge of this border.
2. Apply an inward and downward pressure to the guide with your left hand to hold it against the raised edge while holding the turret head in your right.
3. Use a light, steady downward pressure on the turret head as you push or pull the entire cutter from edge to edge across the glass. Caution: It is easy to apply too much pressure when scoring!
4. Remove the glass and break the score. Repeat the procedure for additional strips.

Method 2: Using the glass edge
Assembly:

1. Hold the strip guide in your hand with the tall angle toward your palm. Insert the brass strip "A" -"B" end first until just the "A" line is visible. Tighten the thumb screw.
2. Slide the turret holder onto the other end of the brass strip with the cutting wheels facing the strip guide.
3. Measure the strip length by adding 1" to the width you want to cut. For example: If you want to cut a 2.25" strip, set the inside edge of the turret at the 3.25" mark.

Cutting:

1. Start with a square sheet of glass and place the guide against the glass edge.
2. Apply an inward and downward pressure to the guide with your left hand to hold it against the glass edge while holding the turret head in your right.
3. Use a light, steady downward pressure on the turret head as you push or pull the entire cutter from edge to edge across the glass. Caution: It is easy to apply too much pressure when scoring!
4. Remove the glass and break the score. Repeat the procedure for additional strips.

Care and Maintenance

1. Always store your strip cutter in a dry environment
2. Lubricate the axle of the cutting wheels regularly with a lightweight oil
3. For easier scoring, you can dip the cutting turret into a cutting fluid before making your scores.

Replacement Parts

• Stock no. 50042 - Turret Holder
• Stock no. 50043 - Turret Wheel
• Stock no. 50045 - Turret and Holder

Service

If you have any questions or comments regarding the use of this or any Inland product please call Inland Customer Service at 1-800-521-8428 9 AM to 5 PM EST. or write us at:

Inland Craft Products, Co.
32052 Edward Drive   
Madison Heights, MI 48071 USA

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