Any one cut a tank?

Kershaw · Feb 4, 2018

wondering if it is possible to cut a tank tank is put together. Say 24” tall to a 12”

NowGlazeIT · Feb 5, 2018

What do you mean

NowGlazeIT · Feb 5, 2018

Are you talking about breaking one down and re-using the glass?

Kershaw · Feb 5, 2018

I was hoping to cut it with out breaking it down. But if I have to break it down I will.

JoshH · Feb 5, 2018

I'm sure it could be done but I don't think it would save you any time over breaking it down. Much more work to score and break the glass while it's attached to other pieces.

Kershaw · Feb 5, 2018

Thanks for the reply’s. If I go ahead with the project and succeed I’ll post a thread on it.

JoshH · Feb 5, 2018

Kershaw said:
Thanks for the reply’s. If I go ahead with the project and succeed I’ll post a thread on it.

Even if you don't succeed, post anyway so everyone can learn from your experiences. :)

don_chuwish · Feb 5, 2018

Maybe with a good diamond wet saw but it sounds really dangerous if you don't know the right technique.

Kershaw · Feb 5, 2018

I was thinking of cutting silicone Down to the point I want to cut. Then scoring and breaking it. I think using a saw might be more hazard then it’s worth.

dantimdad · Feb 5, 2018

Please don't try it. I have and it's not safe nor does it turn out right.

Save a bunch of worry and just break the tank down, clean it like it's an operating room and then cut it.

You will have a much better shot at a leak free tank and less chance of injury.

Honestly, if the tank is going to wind up under 20 gallons and less than 16" deep, you are better off buying new, precut glass and building from scratch.

Glass is cheap to replace. You are not.

NowGlazeIT · Feb 5, 2018

I know everyone on here holds the same weight of opinion but please take it from a glazier there’s no way your gonna pull that off. Not I or anyone else can score glass and snap it the opposite direction like your plan would intend.

Kershaw · Feb 5, 2018

This tank may end up in trash. So this was something I wanted to research to see if it would be worth trying. I’m not in the market for setting up a new tank. This is a tank that some I know, might just throw away. So I thought it would be cool to try and cut it down. I am not opposed to disassembling tank first. Just wondering if it could be done with out doing so

NowGlazeIT · Feb 5, 2018

Kershaw said:
This tank may end up in trash. So this was something I wanted to research to see if it would be worth trying. I’m not in the market for setting up a new tank. This is a tank that some I know, might just throw away. So I thought it would be cool to try and cut it down. I am not opposed to disassembling tank first. Just wondering if it could be done with out doing so

Okay I commend you for taking a swing at cutting some glass. It can be frustrating at first but really fun and helpful once you get the hang of it. 2 big factors come to mind when talking about cutting glass standing upwright in this situation
1) you don’t have the clearance for a clean snap. Once you score the glass and go to snap, the Glass needs room to bend and break if it hits a snag or resistance during the break the crack will run off course.
2) and most importantly when you score glass you need to apply force from the side you scored. This wouldn’t be possible. instead your trying to a) score the glass and pull towards you, a big no no. or b) score the glass on the inside of tank and pull towards you but to complete this you’ll need clearance. You’ll need to pull the glass so far away from each other just to get your Tool from edge to edge. you’ll already be more then half ways to breaking it down by then.