We dealt with this last two years. Tried diamond bit, water running over bit, etc. Finally took blocks to local glass company - paid a couple dollars a piece and they came out perfect. Perfectly round hole, etc. Glass companies have the right tools for doing this and for the price, it is well worth it.
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Request: Drilling Glass Blocks (10/27/2009)
Has anyone made glass block luminaries? If so, how do you drill the hole in the side of the glass block? Any tips?
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Request: Drilling Glass Blocks
Archived on 10/27/2009
Has anyone made glass block luminaries? If so, how do you drill the hole in the side of the glass block? Any tips?
Patricia from Stoney Creek, Ontario CA
Feedback:
RE: Help Drilling Glass Blocks
Pittsburgh Corning has just put a new glass block on the market. (DecorBloc) It comes in a maroon red box. There is a large hole in side of block and they also provide the insert to put in and also a hole in the insert for a plug for a coin bank or for the wire to come out of. The only thing is the price.
They are pricey. $12-$19.00 for large and $9-$13 for smaller one. Joann's, Michael's and some Home Depot stores have them. Also Rona in Canada. (10/22/2008)
By Patricia
RE: Help Drilling Glass Blocks
(submitted via email)
Carrie, I know what you mean. It takes 5-10 minutes to drill one hole. Another tip is not to leave the blocks in the garage when it's cold. The glass is cold and then when you drill and the bit gets hot,
the glass cracks.
Try calling a local glass and mirror place and ask if they would drill the hole size you need. It would be worth it if they don't charge a fortune.
I use a diamond tip 1- 3/8 hole bit. It is meant to drill a hole perfect for the night light size bulbs. I punch small holes in the lid of a 2 liter soda bottle and fill it with cool water. While my spouse drills the hole I drizzle water from the bottle on the bit. It only takes about 1 minute to do each block. (11/03/2008)
By Deanna
RE: Help Drilling Glass Blocks
We were told to coat the area with liquid soap. It helps to keep the area cool and lubricated while drilling. My husband said that it did help. (01/28/2009)
Is there a way to drill holes or cut holes large enough to fit night light bulbs in the glass lit blocks? I have seen some for sale on the internet that say they are lit by 7 watt night light bulbs.
Kathy from Starkville, MS
Answers:
RE: Help Drilling Glass Blocks
I use a diamond hole saw and a drill press. I make a clay dam and fill with water to keep my bit cool. To make the hole larger, I use my drimmel too, while going slow and stopping frequently so it doesn't overheat and crack. (10/08/2008)
I am trying to drill the glass blocks. I have the 1/2 inch diamond drill bit but it seems to be taking a lot if effort. I put it in water first but it heats up rather quickly.
Carrie from Canada
Answers:
RE: Help Drilling Glass Blocks
When using any kind of diamond drill bit, you don't just put water on it, but must keep the tip WET while drilling the hole the entire time. The water is what keeps the bit cool, and otherwise you'll ruin the diamond tip if it heats too much (and you'll never get through the block). Even with the water, it'll still heat up. Diamond bits come in several shapes and sizes too. Make sure that you the right one for the job--just because it's a diamond bit doesn't mean it's the right bit for the intended job. (10/04/2007)
hi
This is a slow process. I keep a bottle of antifreeze sitting close by to pour on the drill bit to cool it. I have been tempted to find a table drill to keep the constant pressure on the drill. Holding it makes my arms go numb. I don't know the purpose of the antifreeze, but most instruction suggest it. Another suggestion is use your Dremel with a small bit to start the hole then increase the size of the drill. i use tungsten bits from Lowe's. They are cheaper than the diamond ones. (10/06/2007)
By lzygranny
RE: Help Drilling Glass Blocks
I order my diamond core drill bit from the internet. It is cylinder shaped, so it actually cuts a hole in the glass in about 3-5 minutes. Just remember to keep the drill bit wet, use moderate speed and pressure. I have used the arrow shaped diamond drill bit but it takes a very long time to drill a hole, plus blocks easily get overheated and break. (11/21/2007)
