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I am trying to drill a hole in a glass block. You know the block or glass bricks you buy at menards. Why am I drilling a hole. . I want to insert a string of lights and then wrap it with a bow. Kind of like a present that lights up. . I have cracked several blocks. Tried to do it on the grinder, took for every and my arms go tired. I was using a grinding head that I use to drill holes in glass. I had one of the kids squirting water on the head to keep it cool. but it still cracked. Plus my arm got really tired. Tried using the dremel. got through ok, but the hole is much to small. Tried inlarging the hole and then it cracked. Plus to much gunk went into the block. Yes I was squirting water to keep it cool. There must be a better way. I have seen the light up block before but they are pricey. Now with my time and the cracked block I am thinking it would have been cheaper to buy the pricey one already done. If I could find a way that works, I would like to make them for some friends.

Help. KRIS [/img]

I researched this last year when someone brought a block to my studio wanting a hole drilled in it. It's much easier to buy a block that has a hole molded into it. There are lots of places on the internet that carry them.

Carol

diamond core drill with a center feed water tap

Hi! I have made lots of the "gifts if light" glass blocks. They are great for hostess gifts, etc. To make the holes, I simply use my wood workshop drill press....very very very slowly, drilling with the glass/tile bits from Lowe's with the block in a bucket of water so the drilling area stays submerged. The bits come 1/4" - 1/2 " I believe... our Lowe's can't keep the half inch one in stock it seems...I drill several holes side by side, letting the droppings fall into the block, which I rinse thoroughly afterwards, and allow to dry. The holes aren't perfectly shaped always, but are smooth around the edges...and I place them so they will be concealed by the gossamer see through broad ribbons I use for "packaging." I have found that most of the discount stores have sold out of the small strands of clear lights with white cords needed to make them.

I am curious as to the "pricey" prices you have seen for the blocks when you see them for sale. I notice you are in Minnesota...the blocks would be perfect for the area...since they indeed look like gift wrapped blocks of sparkling ice!

Cricket in NC

I meant to say Gifts OF Light in the message I just posted. Oops...haven't had enough coffee this morning!