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Drilling Holes in Glass by
Using a Drill Press
This
is part two of a multi-part tip on using a drill press to drill
holes in glass. Click here to go to part one.
It's essential to select the proper bits for
drilling glass with a drill press. There are a number of
options, ranging from carbide steel (usually pointed) bits to
several types of diamond bits. In general, it's best to use
bits that are coated with diamond, rather than spear-pointed bits
made of carbide.
Diamond bits come in several basic types,
but the two most common are:
1. Diamond ball bits
These are bits that have a small ball of
steel at the tip. The ball is coated with a thin layer of
diamonds. They are generally mounted in a drill press and used
for drilling small holes. They work better than core drill
bits for drilling holes in curved surfaces, but they are slower and
are limited to cutting holes of less than 1/2" (13mm). Note
that engraving bits are often similar in appearance to diamond ball
bits, but you should purchase bits specifically made for drilling,
not engraving.
2. Core drill bits
These are available in a wide range of
sizes, from 1/8" (3mm) to as large as 2" (50mm). They consist
of a round, hollow tube of steel with diamond coating along the
outside of the tube. As they cut through the glass, they
create a hole the size of the outside of the bit and a small "plug"
or "core" the size of the inside of the bit. Core drill bits
generally work faster than diamond ball bits, and are the most
commonly used and recommended bit for drilling in glass.
Once you've selected the right bit, you're
ready to begin drilling.
Click
here for the next part of this tip, which is on
the actual drilling process.
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Copyright 2006 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
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