_Next PageThe Glass Cutter - It depends on what type you own. I have the Scoremaster II by Fletcher. The head will last around 1-2 years with constant use which includes cutting hard glass, running off the edge a few times, going over rippled glasses, and striking over the same score twice. The head it comes with is a tungsten carbide.
The Handle - The handle should last you forever. However, I had the Score Master 3 and after about 5 years, it developed a crack. That was about the time Fletcher developed the brass ferule to hide that area. As far as, I know they don't make that particular cutter anymore. Instead they have the Gold Tip Series in which the part where the tip is held into is solid metal. I think it has something to do with the clear handles they had, since the other one I have is green and it's lasted for around 10 years.
The Soldering Iron - I've used both types ceramic, and the regular heater. The regular iron will last for around 3-5 years of near constant use. It will be longer if you do came work, because it's basically a lot of tacking. The ceramic type like Ungar and Hakko, heats faster, but it's hard to tell how long it really lasts. I had an Unger. It lasted me for about 1 year before the tip disintegrated. I just bought a Hakko recently. It has separate tips, so I'll see how long this one lasts me. And if your wondering why I switched irons, it's because the Unger didn't last that long, and the heater units were way too much money.
The Iron Tip - It depends on how much you use it and how well you take care of it. Mine usually last for 1-2 years before it corrodes and dies.
The Rheostat - Believe it or not, these things can die. One day I found that my iron wasn't heating as well as it once did. When I checked the voltage coming out of it, it showed it was much lower than it should be. I guess it was hit with a surge or a spike or something. The one that died was about 7-10 years old.
The Grinder - The grinder unit itself should last for a very long time. My Inland Wiz is still working after 12 years. My Inland Wizard is still holding up pretty well after 5 years. A lot of people say the switch dies first. That's probably caused by water dripping into the unit. Most of the time, it's the machines at a stained glass class that go, but it can really be abused there. The only real thing I had to replace was the grid, which tends to get carved up when used a lot.
The Grinder Bit - Mine lasts about 2-4 years. I'll use it in quick swipes or deep grinds. The bit will last quite a while, as long as you move the bit up and down to get to the fresh diamond. Always be sure to have water in it at all times, and the water should be circulating on the bit. So providing the bit is wet, and it stays cool, it should last a long while.
The Flux or Patina Brush - This is really no big deal tool wise. It will last for around 1-3 years. Usually what will happen is that it rusts or corrodes to death. I personally use a paint brush (small, artist type) to apply the flux. It's easier to use, and to apply. A normal flux brush has an annoying seam that's sharp and hard to hold onto. It also puts down way too much in one spot. This kind of brush is better for paste flux (which was it's original use in the first place). For patina, I use a stencil brush (a small cheap one). So far I've had it for about 3 years. And as long as you keep it clean after use it should last for a pretty long time.
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Started on 9-22-98