Circular or oval rims (borders) are a masterful addition to kiln fired glass. The black rim on this combed platter is a perfect example. Here, Patty demonstrates how to create these "donuts" with a single seam and no grinding or grozing.

First, set your circle-cutter to 1/32" (1mm) larger than the size of the center that the rim must fit around. Example: if the interior of your platter has a diameter of 17-inches, set your cutter diameter to 17 1/32". This tad extra allows the border to fit comfortably around your center at layup.

You'll score the inside of the rim first, so position your circle-cutter center, taking care to ensure that there is space enough to accomodate both the width of your border and 1/2" (12mm) clearance from the edges of the sheet. Example: if you are cutting a border 1 1/2-inches (4 cm) wide, you'll need at lease 2-inches (5 cm) of clearance to the sheet edge, on all sides, for the first score.

Mark the position of your circle center.

Practice your rotation to be sure the cutter-arm can move unobstructed,oil the cutter head, then make your first score.

DO NOT MOVE THE CIRCLE CENTER.
If you do so accidently, use your center-markings to reposition it perfectly.

Now adjust thecircle dimension to the reflect the width of the border. Example: project center = 17-inches, so the first (inside) border score was made at 17 1/32 inches. You plan a border 1.5-inches wide, so re-set your cutter to score 18 17/32 inches (17 1/32 + 1.5) for the outside of the border.



Practice your rotation,oil the cutter head, then make your ouside score.

You've now made two concentric scores. Carefully turn the sheet over so that the scored surface is down.


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