A glass cutting table scores the glass, usually in straight lines, and breaks it along the score. Manual tables, semi-automatic tables and fully automatic cutting lines all appear on the used market. The cutting head and the controls decide how well a used table will cut, so these are the parts to check first.
Before you view
- Sheet size. Check the largest sheet the table takes and the thickest glass it cuts. Match both to the glass you buy.
- Manual or automatic. An automatic table is quicker and more accurate but depends on its software and drives. A manual table is simpler to run and repair.
- Power and air. Check the electrical supply it needs, and whether it needs compressed air for the head or breakout. Read the guide to buying a used air compressor if you need to supply it.
- Age and spares. Ask who made it and whether the maker still supplies parts and software support.
The cutting head
- Check the cutting wheel, the wheel holder and the pressure control. The wheel should be sharp and run freely.
- On a table with an oil feed, check that oil reaches the wheel and that the reservoir and pipe work are in good order.
- Check the head carriage and its rails for wear and play.
The table and breakout
- Check the surface for cuts, glass chips and wear, and that it is flat. A damaged surface can scratch the glass.
- On a table with an air flotation system, check the fans or blowers and that the air holes are clear.
- Check the break-out bar or the breaking system works along its whole length and makes a clean break.
- If the table cuts laminated glass, check the heating and the separating system, and ask for a laminated glass test cut.
Controls and software
- Switch the machine on and check the screen, the buttons and the emergency stops.
- On an automatic table, check what computer runs the control software, how old it is and whether there are backups of the software and settings. An old controller can be difficult to replace.
- Check the optimising or cutting list software works with your own cutting lists, as the machine allows.
Accuracy: always ask for a test cut
Ask to see the table cut a few sheets, and take a tape measure. Check the length and the width of the pieces, and that the diagonals match, which shows the cut is square. Check the edge of the score for a clean, even line without chipping or shelling.
Safety and handling
- Check the guards, light guards and emergency stops work, as a glass table has moving parts and heavy sheets.
- Glass is heavy and the edges are sharp. Read the guide to PUWER and second-hand machinery for the duties that apply to second-hand equipment.
- Large tables are heavy and take time to dismantle. Plan the transport. Read the guide to transporting used machinery.
Summary: buying a used glass cutting table
Check the sheet size, the cutting head and its wheel, the table surface and breakout, the controls and software, and ask for a measured test cut. Then browse used glass cutting tables for sale, or read the guide to what to check when buying used machinery.
Used glass cutting tables for sale
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