*IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO DRILL GLASS BLOCKS*
The glass block contains a slight vacuum, you have to be careful that when the drill bit breaks through the inside of the block that a minimum amount of lubricant (water) and glass dust gets sucked inside of the block. The glass can crack or shatter if you aren’t careful. OK, disclaimer out of the way let’s go drilling!
I used a Diamond Core Bit. Carbide bits may be used but the diamond drill bits last longer and are easier to use. I used a one inch bit. Use half inch or larger so it's easier to get your lighting inside the block later.
Please use a drill press instead of a hand drill, this insures a safer drilling experience.
Another disclaimer. Please be careful using any electrically powered tool near water. Water or another lubricant should be used to cool and lubricate the tip of diamond bits. Lubrication reduces heat build-up. Water is what I used, because it is free! Machine oil may also be used.
Recommended Drilling Speeds are….RPM, rotations per minute.
4 MM - 14 MM = 1600 - 2000 RPM
16 MM - 25 MM = 1400 - 1600 RPM
27 MM - 50 MM = 1100 - 1400 RPM
Drilling faster increases friction, burns up the bit and causes and causes the colorful drill tips. Everyone repeat after me: if your drill bit develops yellow, brown, blue or black “burn marks” around the tip, slow down. *borrowing some words from my dad*
When you use diamond drill bits it is very important to use light to moderate pressure and to let the bit *drill at its own speed*.
Increasing the drill pressure will only increase the friction and heat. This not only burns up the bit, but also increases your stress level, causing your face to turn red and steam to come out of your ears. Heat will also fracture or crack the block you're drilling.
Once through the glass retrieve glass plug from the inside and wash block thoroughly, inside and out.
The glass block contains a slight vacuum, you have to be careful that when the drill bit breaks through the inside of the block that a minimum amount of lubricant (water) and glass dust gets sucked inside of the block. The glass can crack or shatter if you aren’t careful. OK, disclaimer out of the way let’s go drilling!
I used a Diamond Core Bit. Carbide bits may be used but the diamond drill bits last longer and are easier to use. I used a one inch bit. Use half inch or larger so it's easier to get your lighting inside the block later.
Please use a drill press instead of a hand drill, this insures a safer drilling experience.
Another disclaimer. Please be careful using any electrically powered tool near water. Water or another lubricant should be used to cool and lubricate the tip of diamond bits. Lubrication reduces heat build-up. Water is what I used, because it is free! Machine oil may also be used.
Recommended Drilling Speeds are….RPM, rotations per minute.
4 MM - 14 MM = 1600 - 2000 RPM
16 MM - 25 MM = 1400 - 1600 RPM
27 MM - 50 MM = 1100 - 1400 RPM
Drilling faster increases friction, burns up the bit and causes and causes the colorful drill tips. Everyone repeat after me: if your drill bit develops yellow, brown, blue or black “burn marks” around the tip, slow down. *borrowing some words from my dad*
When you use diamond drill bits it is very important to use light to moderate pressure and to let the bit *drill at its own speed*.
Increasing the drill pressure will only increase the friction and heat. This not only burns up the bit, but also increases your stress level, causing your face to turn red and steam to come out of your ears. Heat will also fracture or crack the block you're drilling.
Once through the glass retrieve glass plug from the inside and wash block thoroughly, inside and out.
I used acrylic paints and paste embossing as the decorating medium for the above block. I am looking forward to decorating more!
3 comments:
Wow, girl you have skills!
You have to love a chick who can use tools. This is wonderful.
This looks amazing!!! Also sounds like a lot of work, but the results are stunning!
The glass block looks completely gorgeous, but don't think I'm gonna try drilling glass! I'm not as adventurous as you!
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