Glass top cutting table (deep scratches)

[cooltinter]

Hello peeps, we have been using a 74" x 110" glass top table as our main cutting surface for most of our Solar, Security and frost/etch films. The glass is regular annealed and over the last 10 years we have replaced it 3 times because of deep scratches due to various reasons (carbon blade, blade angle vs too much pressure, dragging heavy boxes across table with dirt or staples scathing glass top etc) I called our local glass company to talk about what glass would be less apt to get deeply scratched and they tell me that there is not much difference between regular annealed and tempered when it comes to scratching the surface, and if the tempered surface scratches too deep, the glass could shatter. All of the edges of the glass are totally protected using a 1" aluminum flat bar which we then use a drywall T-Square to use as straight edges.  Any extra advice on glass types (annealed, tempered, heat strengthened) vs deep scratches would be greatly appreciated. PS. the new table is going to have some new rules around it for sure!

 

thanks

[jh812]

I've been cutting on tempered glass now for about 5 years with no issues. It does have some scratches on it but doesn't really bother me.

[blackoutauto]

i got tons on my peeling board and my cutting table. But i think it is what it is and it will always scratch.

 

i just live with it lol

[WearTheFoxHat]

We use huge ass cutting mats in our production area.. The only way to make anything last longer is to take care of it. You are cutting film not 2x4's . Encourage Stainless blades only in your shop . Toss the carbon blades. Make rules about film only on the glass.

 

If you do decide to go tempered. Keep the logo side up. The only downfall of tempered is the earth shattering KAboom when its had enough of your $h!T.

 

 

[TintWizard]

Same here Fox, I use self healing cutting mat no issues

[highplains]

Both of mine are tempered and about 3 years old, both have some scratches but are definitely still serviceable

[no ma'am]

Hell the roll around in my shop was murdered 3-4 tinters ago. Feel like I'm trimming across rocks half the time.

[Slick]

Same here Fox, I use self healing cutting mat no issues

Same here for my table top. My vertical sheet is 5'6" x 5'6" tempered. Had the same one for about 10 years. Few scratches, but it hasn't blown yet....

[quality tintz]

I only Use stainless saved glass longer...