glasscutter (glass grinder)

Who are they and what do they do? The glasscutter's work consists of glass finishing by cutting, polishing and other surface finishing of glass products.

What are the activities of the job? The work is done by cutting and polishing, on grinders by the use of abrasive materials), edge bevelling both of flat and curved glass at a grinding bench, hand cutting, honing and polishing of glass products, independent preparation of abrasive materials and the necessary work instruments, incl. adjustments of cutting/grinding machines, chemical polishing of lead or sodium/potassium glass types,, final cutting of vases, glass baskets, and similar products, incl. complex design elements and decorations, such as relief work, and decorative motifs.

Where is it done and under what conditions? This work is typically carried out in the cutting shops of glassworks, where the work environment will inevitably involve some unpleasant aspects - noise and dust, and exposure to cooling liquids, for example.

What tools/equipment do they use? Among the most used in this case are cutters, grinding benches, levelling machines, various types of cutting discs and other mechanisms as well as the typical equipment of glass cutting workshops incl. automated units, engraver's instruments and other hand tools and requisites. Manual dexterity is especially important. Glass is the major material used.

What do you need to succeed? Basic qualifications for this job are a vocational training, manual dexterity, accuracy, concentration at work, aesthetic sense, patience.