Brilliant Cutting

Doug Bernhardt · Post by **Doug Bernhardt** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:35 pm

Well, I've seen the work of our friend Dave Smith and watched him work through this process... and loved the work of the old masters and have decided to take the plunge...as in get the necessary equipment and invest the conciderable time required. So the question is...where in north america can (and if for that matter) one buy the wheels and other necessary materials. Any help here will be much appreciated.... and if this of importance in regards to equipment purchases, my intent for now at least, is to imitate the work of the English in the late 1800's...I was going to say last century but I just woke up. Thanx in advance...Mr.VanWinkle

Larry White · Post by **Larry White** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:26 pm

Hey Doug-
Well, when you think of decorative glass, you automatically think Pat Mackle (well, at least I do). He knows quite a bit about the art, process, and equipment required for brilliant cutting. If fact, he was talking about developing and marketing the appropriate equipment to create this art. I'm sure obtaining equipment that's correct for the task at hand, could ease the learning curve, at least equipment wise. Then, we'll have Pat conduct some workshops on how to do it, and we'll be over that learning curve too! Notice how I say WE. I'm interested too! So Pat, you've got two customers, for product and training. Boy, brilliant cutting, in conjunction with the toned acid etching is top notch beautiful! I want to make some of that. So Pat, put down that brick and let's do it!

Who else wants to learn this art?

Ron Berlier · Post by **Ron Berlier** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 6:59 pm

Larry & Doug -

I think that learning how to do "Brilliant Cutting" would be a fantastic experience! I'm all for it and there has to be others that would be interested and I hope they too will make their interest known. Perhaps it would inspire Pat to put something together. Let's hope so.

Jim Moser · Post by **Jim Moser** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:31 am

Count me in !

Doug Bernhardt · Post by **Doug Bernhardt** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 9:23 pm

Well....I can see I'm not alone in this interest! I saw it (cut glass) for the first time quite a number of years ago and have been fascinated ever since. Once I get the equipment requirements and get them in the shop I'll try and keep you guys posted...till then lets sit tight and wait for that info!!

Ron Berlier · Post by **Ron Berlier** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:38 pm

Hi Doug!

Greatly appreciate your sharing your adventure into the world of Brilliant Cutting - Thanks you!!

Maybe you can do the workshop in a few months ... I know that you're a very quick learner.

Regards -

Kelly Thorson · Post by **Kelly Thorson** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:24 pm

I suspect a lot of you are familiar with this website, but for those who are relatively new to the forum,it has a wealth of information, heavily illustrated with pictures, on all aspects of glass. It serves as a good primer for those who are interested in the basics of brilliant cutting, as well as mirroring, blasting, acid etching, engraving, stained glass etc. Stuart Norton has done a wonderful job of sharing his knowledge in a world wide venue.
http://www.glass-and-sign.co.uk/

Kent Smith · Post by **Kent Smith** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:10 am

I know Pat has been working on recreating wheels too. Doug, I am in. Something I always wanted to learn.

Doug Bernhardt · Post by **Doug Bernhardt** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 6:27 pm

Good to see there is so much interest. Ron jim and all. I had no idea Pat was up to this sort of thing although I did know he was doing the cutting.....and as mentioned will keep all informed.

Larry White · Post by **Larry White** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:29 am

I ran across Andreas Lehmann of Lehmann Glass Studio here in Oakland, California. Evidently he's been doing brilliant cutting since 1981, and looks to be pretty darn good at it.

Hey Pat, I'm thinking this might be the next direction I'd like to take and still figure you as the man to set me up with the equipment and some instruction. So, figure me up a price on building me up a machine, and I'll send you off a deposit.

Patrick Mackle · Post by **Patrick Mackle** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:29 pm

Hi Larry,
I first met Andreas Lehman and also Thomas Tisch (Google his website) who is also a master glass cutter. Both learned their trade, I believe in Germany or Austria. I met them back in 1981 or 1982 at a glass conference called "Portcon" that was held in San Diego. I got into the conference for free, because I offered to haul down an air compressor for another future notable name in glass, Norm Dobbins, who was giving a sandblast class. Also there was a special person that I have GREAT regards for as truely a master of artglass and reviveing lost techniques, John Forbes of Bonne Doone Artglass Studio. If you have never, or think you have never seen John's work, look up his website and I'm sure you will recognize his work if you have ever seen it. It is not easily forgotten.
Let's get together and do some cutting. If you like my 'ol machine I could assemble another. Some wheels may be available. I would like to have some new ones made to my specifications but it would have to be an order of significant size to interest the foundry.
You could put the cutting skill to good use on some of your sign panels.

Pat

Larry White · Post by **Larry White** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:58 am

Hey Pat-
I've got some room here on my credit card and I would like to order one of the brilliant cutting machines you've talked about marketing. So how much do you need for a deposit, ten, fifteen thousand? I suppose you'd have to teach me a thing or two also.
...we need to win that Lotto, truth be told...

Hey Doug-
You were talking on pulling the trigger on learning this craft, you made any headway?

Patrick Mackle · Post by **Patrick Mackle** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:32 pm

Larry,
I heard tell from John Studden that you may be headin' this way one weekend. I know you are serious about doing some cutting, so let's get together
and get something going. So consider yourself takin' the train to Monrovia, the "other" end of the line.

Pat

Doug Bernhardt · Post by **Doug Bernhardt** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:43 pm

That's an old post and where I'm at is....The wheels are available from specialised shops in Bavaria but the thing is, you need to go in person and order what you need....English is a problem I gather. Our buddy Smitty has offred some help in these matters and is in fact needing to order a few for himself. Maybe we could talk him into a "junkette" for a few interested folks. as far as other things...have been keeping way too busy for the most part and am looking forward to this new adventure.

Brilliant Cutting

Brilliant Cutting

wheels

Nor Cal Brilliant Cutter...

well since then.....