The Framers Forum

I am aware that adhesives may not work well on low temperatures, and was taught never to cut cold glass. The ideal is room temperature, but that is challenging in this cold snap.

I’ve just popped into my workshop to put the heating on for later when I have to cut some large sheets. It is currently 8 degrees in there.

Realistically, how cold is too cold to cut glass? If I can raise the ambient to 14/15, is that risking it?

The simple answer is yes, in theory. I know of no case studies of cutting glass at 8°C vs at 20°C
All of my experience has been an normal room temperature (+20°C) In my area there are glass companies with rather large industrial work areas that cut glass for window replacement where they do wear light thermal clothing all winter long.

Damn, my house doesn’t even get above 18 that often.

I have started to wait until the afternoon when it can reach 15 before using glue etc, but I will keep the heater on full whack for a few more hours for these cuts. It is too expensive to take the risk I think.

I just wondered if there are definite ‘safe’ and ‘don’t be an idiot’ temperature ranges.

My workshops were silly cold and took ages to warm up, but I had no real problem cutting glass. Condensation was the only issue but a good wipe over with a microfibre towel before scoring sorted that out.

My old workshop had a big roller shutter door so the space didn't retain any heat.
Sometimes I was working in temperatures of just a few degrees above zero.
I never had any issues cutting glass.

It is definitely more prone to breaking wrong at colder temperatures, we have timed heating with a 7 degree minimum (never goes below 7 degrees) they come on at 6 am and heat the place to 17 degrees, I find this a nice working temperature.
You will be fine cutting at 8 degrees though, it's just a bit more brittle.

Gesso is more prone to chip at those lowered temperatures too!

Well after 5 hours of my heater working its little heart out, we rose to the dizzy heights of 10.2.

I took a chance and all sheets are now cut to size with no issue. I wouldn’t have worried so much with float, but these are AR70 that I didn’t particularly want to have to sweep off the floor.

All good and the heater is now relaxing until a full day shift tomorrow.

Don’t forget a good dehumidifier can help - take the moisture out of the air and it is quicker to heat.

Thanks Jo, I actually upgraded to a larger dehumidifier this week and it is definitely keeping the air dryer now. Still freezing, I went in at 4.3 degrees this morning brrr. I am picking up another heater first thing tomorrow!