ChrisG-Canada Posted March 14, 2017 Report Share Posted March 14, 2017 Anyone have experience making a live edge table with a custom glass insert? I'm curious about the details and I'm concerned about durability and safety in case glass gets broken... The attached picture is just an example I found doing a simple Google search but I am looking to try something similar with one or more 2" live edge slabs I have. In this example photo I'm only considering the table surface - I have different ideas for the table legs and structure. I know how to design the wood portion of the table but I do have some questions about the glass... 1) What type/kind/style of glass should I consider (plate, tempered, laminated, etc.)? 2) What thickness is appropriate (¼", ⅜", etc.)? 3 How is the glass custom shaped? For this style of table the glass has to be custom shaped to coordinated somewhat with whatever the live edge happens to be so I assume a custom template or pattern gets made for the glass. How is the glass fabricated/cut to the template shape? 4) What else don't I know that I need to consider before stating a project like this? Your experience is much valued and appreciated... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeslayer Posted March 14, 2017 Report Share Posted March 14, 2017 hey Chris, tempered glass is out IMO, i don't think its even possible in tempered, 1/4" plate would work, a good glass shop could cut it to any shape you want and then make a pattern and pattern route it to shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wright Posted March 14, 2017 Report Share Posted March 14, 2017 1/4" tempered glass. It will need to be cut before it is tempered so not all shops have the ability to do it (most small shops order tempered glass precut to size). Here is an online source https://www.onedayglass.com/custom-orders/custom-glass-processing/custom-shapes/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted March 14, 2017 Report Share Posted March 14, 2017 Most glass shops don't do tempered themselves, but can order it. Expensive for a piece like that though. Probably best to go to a place that specializes in art glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlau Posted March 14, 2017 Report Share Posted March 14, 2017 as for the shape i think that is square or rectangle and just rabbeted down to be flush.. and i would use tempered glass. relooked and this seems to be irregular shaped but could be square as i thought e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted March 14, 2017 Report Share Posted March 14, 2017 I bet if you submit a template they can have that shape cut on a water jet machine. I would ask about tempering and follow their recommendation. I think 3/8 thick would be my minimum. It ain't gonna be cheap either ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiknNutz Posted March 15, 2017 Report Share Posted March 15, 2017 Looks like a knock-off of what Greg Klassen does (http://gregklassen.com/). If you've not checked him out, do yourself a favor and do so. He's not too far from me, nice younger guy and has a cool story. Really respect what he's accomplished. Has rec'd tons of notoriety due to his blue glass river tables and has almost a cult following. I have heard from some local folks that are in his circle that he's had a few problems with wood movement relative to the glass, just now sure to what extent. You might want to bear that in mind, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted March 15, 2017 Report Share Posted March 15, 2017 I would mount both slabs with screws in slots to allow plenty of expansion & contraction. For almost 40 years I have been using Lexcel crystal clear caulk to install glass in cabinet doors. It cleans up with mineral spirits. It might take a few days to cure but it never lets go of the glass or the wood like silicone does and it remains flexible too. I have seen it for sale at Lowes around $10 for tube. Another way to cut those shapes is sandblasting. They make a thick rubber template & stick it to the glass. The sand cuts through the glass but bounces off the rubber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chud Posted March 15, 2017 Report Share Posted March 15, 2017 You could probably get laminated as an alternative to tempered - that way if it breaks it'll remain intact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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