If you were making flat panel cabinet doors, and you wanted some of them to have glass, would you buy the glass and do it yourself, or would you farm it out to a glass person?
Have the glass cut about 1/8" smaller all around than the opening in the door. Buy "double-strength" glass. It only costs a little bit more than 'regular' stuff.
You can install the glass using either glazers points or a small quarter-round molding.
I take my frames, either picture frames or Cabinet doors to my local Hardware store. She cuts the panes and tapes them in the frames and I pick them up later. Then I affix them in place. (She is located 1/2 mile down the road, Was a Mom & Pop store but now a Mom & Daughters store)
I've only done a glass door once. It was 10+ years ago when I built a stereo stand. I knew that the door would be opened and closed over and over and over again, and sometimes roughly. Therefore I thought it worthwhile to go to a glass place and order tempered glass. Yes, it cost a lot more, but the piece of mind was worth it to me.
My glass just sits in a rabbet and is held in place with clips.
+1 on getting the glass from a local shop and putting it in yourself. You will be surprised how easy it is. I use these to hold the glass in place; 2 on each side.
Thanks guys--didn't realize it was that simple. yeah I know glass is cheap, and my LOML was a glass contractor for 30 years, so I have......connections....
I take the opposite approach. I make and finish the doors, then taken them to a glass shop. The glass is glued in with a clear silicone glue (like bathtub or aquarium sealer) so is secure and cushioned to not rattle. The cost of the "installation" at the shop I use is only $1.50 (although another shop charges $10)
I have the glass cut to size by a glass place, then install it after finishing is done. I just use silicone to hold the glass in, its cheap, doesn't rattle, and can be easily cut out if replacement is neccessary. I just place the glass in the opening and do a small bead around the edges.