I called a couple of glass shops this morning.   The first was more helpful and said there are no "pre-fab" sizes, it's all cut, then tempered.   He said 1/4" runs $7 sq. ft.

 

I've done a fair amount of picture framing and the rule is to make the opening 1/8" larger in both directions to allow for runout in the cut, out of square on either side, and any bowing that might occur.    Will definitely make the glass removable in case of breakage, etc.

 

I got a few hundred sq. ft. of glass last month and turned down the tempered stuff because I thought I'd never have a need for it.  D'oh!

I've never seen it in stock sizes, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. The few times I have used it, I had it cut to size and then tempered. Since Richard mentioned the laminated glass I may ask about that the next time I build a glass door case.

5 hours ago, kmealy said:

OK, the other question is, is all tempered glass custom cut, then tempered, or can you get it in standard sizes?

 

cut then tempered....

1 hour ago, kmealy said:

and the rule is to make the opening 1/8" larger in both directions

 

w/ tempered.. 3/16''...

2 hours ago, HARO50 said:

When I was building aquariums many moons ago, I was told that glass was tempered AFTER cutting to size. But don't quote me.

John

Harold

Tempered glass, in my area tempered glass cost more. Part of the cost is shipping as there are no tempering facilities in Alaska.  From what I have read tempered with cost more but not a substantial amount if no shipping charges are involved.

 

Weight, Laminate glass and tempered glass are made from annealed glass. The weight will depend on thickness. To the best of my knowledge 3/16 thickness and up it what laminated glass is.   As I understand 1/8 tempered glass is available but it prone to warping in the process and not all tempering faculties are capable to doing 1/8. 

 

Yes tempered glass has to be cut to size before tempering. If you try to cut tempered glass it will shatter.

 

Disclaimer

I’m not a glass expert. I haven’t use much temper glass do to having to ship it to Alaska from the lower 48. I avoid it whenever possible. It’s much more convenient to use laminated glass when possible and safe.

Like I said in my original post I, we used a lot of laminate in the school system without any problem with the fire marshal or city code people. The purpose of my post was mostly to tell

Kmely I thought he could safely use laminated glass in his display case. And as I suggest he talk it over with a glass shop who should be an expert.  

 Lastly, Google can provide much more information than I.

Edited September 12, 20178 yr by Warped & Twisted

if someone handed you a piece of tempered glass that was too big, you could NOT cut it.  as soon as you tried, it would just shatter.

 

yup, they cut it, smooth the edges, temper it, and it's ready to go.

 

i'd build the piece first, bring it to the glass shop, let them measure the opening (hopefully it's square), and then let them decide on size.  if they goof, it's their fault, not yours.

 

for that matter, i'd get 2 pieces of glass now, mark one as a spare, and set it aside somewhere safe.  if the customer breaks it, you can sell them #2 for a nice price.  all sized and ready to go now.  no waiting.

2 hours ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I've never seen it in stock sizes, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. The few times I have used it, I had it cut to size and then tempered. Since Richard mentioned the laminated glass I may ask about that the next time I build a glass door case.

https://www.amazon.com/Tempered-Glass-Panels-Stock-Sizes/dp/B01NB1Y3VY

 

The second place look like all 3/16 thickness

https://www.storesupply.com/c-1123-tempered-glass-panels.aspx?size=-1

Edited September 12, 20178 yr by Warped & Twisted