Off Topic Drilling glass?

A.McPherson

A.McPherson

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 27, 2012
Messages
2,870
Pretty much completely unrelated to knife making but does anyone have any tips on drilling glass?

Proper bits and all that...

Would it be easier to just use diamond abrasives on a dremel?
 
i used to collect antique bottles. some people would drill a hole in the side of them to run lamp cord through and make a lamp out of it. from what i have heard, they just put a piece of tape on the glass to keep the drill bit from slipping, and twist it by hand. yeah stone or diamond might be better.
 
Use a carbide or diamond coated bit, like would be used for tile. Water as a lubricant and coolant is a really good idea. Yes, for 1 small hole, diamond abrasives on a dremel would probably be best.

Not sure what kind of glass you're drilling, but if it's tempered, drilling a hole will almost certainly shatter it.
 
Make sure the glass is not tempered, first. After that, use diamond tip bits with a guide (because it will skate all over the place) and running water (if possible) to cool the glass. I've drilled 3 or 4 aquariums using this method and have had good results. The cheap Chinese diamond bits on Amazon work just fine and I've never broken the glass I was working on.
 
I used a variety of drilling methods. Small holes using a spearpoint carbide bit. Larger holes using a copper edged holesaw and grinding paste.
Others using a grinding point. Lube and cooling are critical. Water or vegetable oil worked fine.
The break thru is the dodgy part, down pressure must be controllable.
 
What you want is a diamond core drill. It cuts a circle out of the glass instead of trying to grind the hoe spot aay. Chipping is much less likely.
The best way is to make a ring of putty around the hole area and put water in the reservoir. Drill slowly with gentle but steady pressure. Lighten the pressure as you finish the hole. A cordless drill is just about the best tool for these tasks.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Glass-Dril...7f9ebdf6404fe39876029659fec7d3&frcectupt=true
 
Cheap chinese diamond bit, fill it with water.

Slow speed, not 2,000 rpm

Weight and string from a drill press handle to apply steady light pressure.
 
Lieblad said:
I used a variety of drilling methods. Small holes using a spearpoint carbide bit. Larger holes using a copper edged holesaw and grinding paste.
Others using a grinding point. Lube and cooling are critical. Water or vegetable oil worked fine.
The break thru is the dodgy part, down pressure must be controllable.
Click to expand...
Like this one ? I never tried them on glass but they work on ceramic . . .
eXFbVrR.jpg
 
Yes, those are the ones I linked. They work great. My friend makes custom lamps from all sorts of antique and odd glassware and used the same ones to drill all his holes. He used to use other bits, but hasn't broken a piece since he switched.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top