ATM Re: atm-digest V1 #1411

[Richard Schwartz <richas@idt.net>]

I have plenty of experience cutting holes in glass.   I have used diamond tools to cut 
holes up to 3" diameter.  But for smaller diameter holes, I used plain old copper tubing 
with silicon carbide abrasive in water.

I do not recommend the carbide tipped tools.

The main thing is to be patient and to not use too much force.  Let the carbo do the work.

You should build a little dam around the hole to contain the water, run the copper tube 
in and out, and keep feeding in fresh abrasive.  The tool works better if you cut slots 
in the end.  Since your hole is so deep compared to the
diameter, you might get better results by drilling little holes in the sides of the 
copper tube.    Copper is a good material because it is a good heat conductor.  If the 
tool gets hot, quit for a while and have a coke, then come back to
it.  Even pyrex will crack from localized heating.

Diamond tools are not that expensive.   But they must be cooled with water or REAL 
turpentine.  Out of respect for my dad's drill press, I use turpentine.   The artificial 
"turpatine" that is made from petroleum distillate and sold at Home
Depot is good for everything but glass cutting.   This is the one case where you need the 
real stuff.   I suspect that real gum turpentine is outlawed by the environmental 
protectionists, but it may be available outside of California.   I
will check a hardware store ("ferreteria") next time I cross into Mexico.  I don't think 
the jackbooted facist thugs that guard our borders are worried about turpentine; they are 
more interested in drugs and aliens that come across without
paying the required bribe.

. . . Richard

atm-digest wrote:Date: Tue, 8 Dec 1998 07:55:15 -0800

> From: Kreig McBride <kmcbride@memes.com>
> Subject: ATM drilling glass
>
> Anyone have experience drilling holes in glass?
> In particular, 1/4" hole through 1" glass. Anyone use the carbide tipped
> glass drills found at the hardware store?
>
> Also, has anyone used the small diamond cutters sized for dremel tools? On
> glass? How long did these cutters last? Was water used as a coolant/lubricant?
> Comments? Suggestions?
>
> Kreig McBride
> Bellingham, Wa