How can I cut/drill into glass without making it crack?

Question

I have a glass vase I am trying to use as a craft project, but I want to put a couple of holes in it without causing it to crack. I'm sure there is probably a tool that can be used for this but I don't know for sure.

Answer 1

To drill a hole in a piece of flat glass with a diamond tipped drill bit ( use a "core bit" which has a hole in the center; its not a solid bit like a drill bit used for wood or metal ) use a leather washer with a bead of water in the center opening over where the hole is to be drilled ; this will allow for cooling and prevent the drill bit from wearing out prematurely. The washer does not necessarily have to be leather; it needs to be flexible enough to provide a means by which the water will stay long enough to get the work done. It is important to know that you are actually grinding the hole not drilling it. It is not like you would drill in a piece of wood or steel. Drill (grind) very very slowly with light pressure and only about halfway through the thickness of the glass ; ( use a drill press to do this at a fairly low rpm setting ( 300 - 400 rpm ). A standard drill press is what I have used set on the middle speed pulley) then turn the piece over and drill (grind) the rest of the way through on the other side. Use the - water in the middle - technique on the other side also of course. The holes on both sides must match up as closely as possible to prevent the glass from cracking. The glass must be supported by a surface that is absolutely FLAT AND LEVEL. By drilling (grinding) in this way you avoid cracking the glass when the drill bit breaks through on the other side. This works for flat glass.( I cannot tell you about jars, or plates,or decorative glass ornaments,etc. This technique may not be practical and I have not tried it on any of these. ) The pressure used to grind must be light pressure no more than 10 pounds at the point of contact of the working surfaces of the bit and the material being drilled; but this will vary and the most important part of the process is the feel of the drill grinding and moving very slowly through the glass. Don't try to drill it like wood or metal, you will break the glass for sure. More pressure will only wear out the bit faster and increase the likelihood of cracking the glass. Be very patient and don't try to rush the job. Fifteen to twenty minutes of drilling on a 1/8 inch thick piece of glass is not uncommon. Try many scrap pieces first, if you have them, to get the feel of it. It took me many weeks to get to the point where I could drill holes in glass. I still have had it break occasionally. Don't expect to be able to drill glass as easily as wood or metal; that just does not happen; it is a very slow process and requires much practice. WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

Answer 2

Drilling Into Glass

Answer 3

Use a drill press and vice to hold all pieces perfectly still and not lose control of the drill. Use a super-high speed drill, and special bit designed for glass or ceramics. FYI - A coffee pot may not actually be glass. It could be a plastic-glass amalgam, like pyrex, which might require a different type of drill bit.

Answer 4

6 Powerful seacrets to drilling glass

1. Use diamond bits to drill your glass, not carbide bits.

2. Use a bit with a rounded end to drill small holes (1/2" and smaller) in glass.

3. Use diamond core bits to drill holes 1/2" and larger.

4. Use plenty of lubrication/coolant to keep your drill tip cool and the hole clean.

5. Use less pressure! Let your drill bit drill at it's own pace.

6. Slow down your drill, because heat from friction will destroy your drill bit.

Answer 5

You can cut a sheet of glass by wetting it slightly and using a very sharp razor....don't know about drilling...maybe there are drill bits for glass that will have directions on the package.

Answer 6

I'd suggest filling the vase with wet sand that's compressed. Use a good drill bit, not a cheapo. I have had success in drilling holes in Glass bottles this way.

Answer 7

You need a diamond bit drill. Put some masking tape on the area you want to drill - that gives the drill bit some purchase to start the hole.

Use a variable speed rotary tool, like a Dremel, for best results.

Answer 8

As a teen, I worked in a glass manufacturing plant... You have to have a certain drill bit and the ones I have seen also apply water to the glass while being drilled.

I'm not sure your gonna find something to do this with...

Answer 9

Put tape both sides of where you are going to cut.

This will stop the drill slipping, and also reduce cracking.

Also use a specialist glass cutting bit

Answer 10

I agree with all the others who said use a diamond bit but you should really practice first especially if you have just the one vase. My husband drilled holes in mason jars for me last year at Christmas time; I made small lamps out of them and we (he) cracked several of them before learning the proper pressure to use. This year he wants to invest in a small drill press!!!