Drilling Glass

Firo · March 31, 2012, 04:56:27 PM

I am trying to drill small holes in fused glass earrings and pendants but cannot seem to find diamond tip drill bits that fit a dremel.
I have drilled some with a glass and tile bit but it took forever and after a few it seemed to get blunt and my hands were cramping.
Any ideas, stockists (online) really gratefully received to make my life a little easier.
thanks

Avril · March 31, 2012, 05:16:50 PM

Warm Glass sell these - sets and singles

dinah46 · March 31, 2012, 07:20:48 PM

Diamond drill bits from here, http://www.manchesterminerals.co.uk/acatalog/Lapidary_accessories.html#aDiaDrill half way down the page, should do the trick as long as you keep the bit cooled while drilling - under water in a little tub is best (obviously with all the normal caution with electric tools near water etc)

mizgeorge · March 31, 2012, 08:17:27 PM

The best diamond bits I've come across are from the fab Eternal Tools http://www.eternaltools.com/diamond-drill-bits/

(their small diamond files are fantastic as well)

Firo · April 01, 2012, 10:38:55 AM

Thanks you guys I now kniw where to order from. Many thanks

Carl · April 01, 2012, 09:32:08 PM

I can also vouch for eternal tools very friendly and helpfull people. I used their 3mm diamond core drills to put holes in fused glass incense burners but even using the slow speeds recommended on their web site the bit only managed 4 holes.

stuwaudby · April 02, 2012, 10:05:55 PM

Just google for diamond core drills or diamond wire drill. The cheap ones work reasonably well.

Blue Box Studio · April 02, 2012, 11:31:13 PM

I get mine from a guy in the US who used to be on Ebay but darn if I can find his name right now (senior moment) - sells by the 100 so you get hit for customs but I found they lasted as long as the Eternal Tools ones but are far far cheaper.

ETA - David Clayton http://www.jadecarver.com/DiamondTools.htm - 100 x 1.5mm drills were $75 + P&P, he has all sizes. I use them for drilling sea glass, they might do a couple of pieces, they might do 10 but suspect some of that is me getting impatient. I use them in a Dremel fitted in a drill press.

micpru · April 03, 2012, 02:10:15 PM

Warm glass. 2mm diamond drill bit at approx £3 a drill!

Glyn Burton · April 03, 2012, 05:53:23 PM

Axminster power tools do a box of assorted (20) for about £7

Correction ! I just looked it up its 30 for £5.85. If you need a pendant drill their heavy duty version is fantastic.

Blue Box Studio · April 03, 2012, 06:40:01 PM

Quote from: Glyn Burton on April 03, 2012, 05:53:23 PM
Axminster power tools do a box of assorted (20) for about £7

Correction ! I just looked it up its 30 for £5.85. If you need a pendant drill their heavy duty version is fantastic.

Why can't I find them on their site. Have you got a link Glyn?

Agree, their tools are fantastic.

Glyn Burton · April 03, 2012, 09:08:20 PM

Sorry but I am a bit dim with things like links but the product reference is:
Diamond burrs 410037
Pendant drill 300228
If you go to www.axminster.com and put in the reference numbers it should come up (hopefully).

micpru · December 09, 2012, 08:58:11 PM

Warm glass 2mm and attach to my dermel and drill on a bit of wood immersed in water x

Blue Box Studio · December 10, 2012, 09:35:09 AM

Quote from: Glyn Burton on April 03, 2012, 09:08:20 PM

If you go to www.axminster.com and put in the reference numbers it should come up (hopefully).

Confused by drills in a carpet company - it's www.axminster.co.uk if anyone else is looking.

Hamilton Taylor · December 10, 2012, 09:44:32 AM

That made me larf. We need a 'like' button...