Cutting windshield glass can be a tough and tedious job. You have to take into account the thickness of the glass as well as be able to perform cutting with accuracy. Automotive windshield is made up of two thin sheets of glass sandwiching a layer of plastic, according to CA Davidson.com. This type of glass is commonly referred to as laminated safety glass. Take special care and time when cutting safety glass, and wear protective goggles and clothing to prevent injury.
Protect the automobile's surface area--especially the curved part of the shield--with tarp. This will help prevent glass shards and other material from scratching the car's surface.
Determine how much glass should be cut. Outline the area you need to cut with a band of blue, 2-inch masking tape. Double layer the tape on the inside and outside of the glass.
Trace lines onto the tape where you will make cuts.
With a saber saw, cut only on the lines that you have marked from the outside of the glass. Cut with a smooth motion to prevent the saber saw from overworking.
Carefully push the glass out of place. Have an assistant catch the windshield glass from the outside to keep it from falling and breaking.
Smooth the windshield's cut edges. Apply 80-grit paper in a palm sander and turn the setting to 220 for a smooth finish, and begin working the sander around the edge of the glass once. Take breaks at five-minute intervals to prevent the sander from overheating and cracking the glass.
