Cutting glass tubing in the lathe

For a better video of this process, see https://youtu.be/hYU3YXyAceI

Video showing how to cut a piece of soda-lime glass tubing (actually a test-tube) in the lathe. A carbide V-tool is used to make a narrow scratch around the tube and this is then heated sharply with a fine oxy-propane flame. The rapid expansion of the glass causes the crack to run and the tube to separate.

I’ve tried it with both soda-lime and borosilicate glasses and it works fine on both. The carbide tool must be sharp, and often requires re-sharpening after each cut.

Page on my website: https://www.imajeenyus.com/workshop/20101117_cutting_tubing/index.shtml