A source of 1mm glass

[92220]

Hi folks.

I've had difficulty finding 1mm glass for my cab windows, and have been reading a lot about difficulty others have had finding 1mm glass, and have been investigating it for quite some time. Pete (greenglade) very kindly gave me some of his excess glass, but my enquiries were still ongoing. I have just had a reply which sounds very promising, and exactly what everyone wants. The enquiry was a 'stab in the dark' because they don't list glass in their catalogue, as far as I could see.

The Steam Workshop (ex Hewson Models) sells 1mm glass. This is what they say they have available:

2" x 1"

2" x 2.5"

4" x 4"

6" x 2"

All at £19.00 per 4 sheets.

Bob.

[anna]

Hello Bob
thanks for that information very helpful; I will file the info away for when needed
regards Anna

[Deleted]

If you do an ebay search it is readily available and more than likely available in the diameter you need.

WATCH CRYSTAL FLAT GLASS Replacement FACE LENS Ø10mm-40mm 1mm thick

£2.99 with free delivery

[Deleted]

Nov 11, 2017 16:22:40 GMT @elmer said:

If you do an ebay search it is readily available and more than likely available in the diameter you need.

WATCH CRYSTAL FLAT GLASS Replacement FACE LENS Ø10mm-40mm 1mm thick

£2.99 with free delivery

thanks for the heads up on that elmer, I hadn't thought of this as a source for gauge glass...I may spend some time in the coming days working out the scale sizes and whether there's anything suitable to suit..

cheers

Pete

[92220]

Hi Elmer.

I think you have misunderstood the info I was posting. It is 1mm thick flat glass sheet for 5" gauge cab windows. We know small sheets are available on Ebay, and lots of other places, as microscope slide glass, but everyone has had great difficulty finding 1mm thick sheet glass in any size bigger than standard microscope slide size of 2" x 1", which is way too small! This is why I posted the info.

Bob.

[waggy]

Morning all,

Had a look at the site Elmer posted, perhaps he has misunderstood but still useful.

Two of my loco's have dummy scale size pressure gauges fitted, they have printed paper scales with a 1mm perspex glass held in by crimping the outer brass ring onto the perspex. Trouble is, it yellows very quickly and softens when the loco is steamed. Watch glasses may just be the way forward, touch expensive but a one off solution I'd say?

Waggy.

[Deleted]

Hello Bob

As you did not not specify the type / shape windows I assumed, incorrectly as it happens, that you were after round front cab windows.

I simply e-mailed one of the ebay listers of 1mm watch glasses and asked if he could help.

No problem at all was the reply, as he buys it in sheets from which to cut the circles.

I duly received a sheet 12inches square for the cost of the postage.

Elmer.

[92220]

Hi Elmer.

Thanks for your ebay suggestion as well. I have to admit I hadn't thought of the gauges glasses. That is something I shall have to attend to in the future!! Watch glasses would be ideal, and obviously available in lots of different sizes. Interesting you were able to get a 12" square sheet of 1mm glass. That's also a very handy thing to know! 1mm glass is probably quite difficult to cut. How are you intending doing so? Pete (greenglade) suggested using a cutoff wheel in a Dremel.

Bob.

[mutley]

How about these people...

www.uqgoptics.com

[Deleted]

Hi Bob

Cutting 1mm is the same as cutting 3mm float - I just score with a TOYO hand oil cutter and snap with my fingers.

I have a water cooled diamond grinding machine from Germany which is excellent for shaping and finishing to size. Straight edges I usually use a hand stone to smooth the edge.

Straight cuts and large radius curves are cut and snap, smaller items are just ground to shape.

Small items - I just have a aluminium template and just grind the glass to the shape.

I should add I am doing it everyday as we make Tiffany style lampshades, plant pot holders, stained glass panels, etc.

Thanks

Elmer.

[92220]

Hi Elmer.

Thanks. That is very helpful!!

Bob.

[92220]

Hi Elmer.

Just had a thought.....What is make is your water cooled machine? Maybe I can get one the same. I've seen an Eberth machine on ebay which has the diamond wheel running in a bath of water below the table, and uses a 180mm blade. I've also found a 180 x 1.5mm diamond blade on ebay. Would that set-up do the job?

Bob.

[Deleted]

Hi Bob.

Machine is a KRISTAL - cost around £150 - has vertical grinding wheels from 1/4 inch diameter up to 1 inch. Available from Creative Glass Guild.

Best thing to do is send me a PM with approx dimensions then I will be able to be more helpful.

Thanks

Elmer

[92220]

Hi Elmer.

Thanks for that info. I found your grinder on the 'net. It's quite different from the one I was looking at, which is one for cutting ceramic tiles. The Kristal 1 has a vertical cutter, as you said, where mine has a vertical 180mm dia cutting wheel. The advantage of yours, obviously, is that it can be used for concave, and convex, curved edges, as well as straight. The only advantage of the one I found is that it can cut long straight edges; but with a fence, the Kristal will as well. I shall get one on order! Thanks again the info.

Bob.

[92220]

Nov 12, 2017 17:27:46 GMT mutley said:

How about these people...

www.uqgoptics.com

Hi mutley.

Thanks for that link. Had a look at their site. They certainly have an impressive range, but I couldn't find the sort of sizes we would want, at anywhere near the Steam Workshop price. I will still bookmark their website for future ref though.

Bob.