drilling holes in glass

[kristyslyglass]

I have been using CR Laurence standard plated diamond drills for drilling holes in fused glass lampshades. I spend about $35-$40 on the drill bit, and it seems to last for about 5 holes. Anyone have a better source for a drill bit that lasts longer? The next step up at CR Laurence is about $130. Sheesh...
Thanks!

[Stephen Richard]

Well, you only need to drill 15 holes with the more expensive bit and you have paid for it.

[Brad Walker]

I have been using CR Laurence standard plated diamond drills for drilling holes in fused glass lampshades. I spend about $35-$40 on the drill bit, and it seems to last for about 5 holes. Anyone have a better source for a drill bit that lasts longer? The next step up at CR Laurence is about $130. Sheesh...
Thanks!

Are the CRL bits sintered or plated? Sintered bits will last a lot longer. You might check out HIS Glassworks and see if they have something that will work well for you, I know that they do carry sintered bits.

[Rick Wilton]

I buy all my bits from http://thk.hk/index.php

they come from hong kong and work just as well as the ones you are getting from CRL

For example here are three 1" bits for $6.80... yes around $2.20 each and the shipping is only $4.00



http://thk.hk/onlinestore_details.php?id=1

You will get as much or more use out of one of these than the CRL cheap ones.

[Bert Weiss]

I haven't looked on CRL for bits in a while. I used to buy the Amazing Glazing line, which cost more than their cheapest, and less than their most expensive. Those last a lot longer and can be dressed.

I bought some like Rick suggests, and they are useless to me. The shanks are so short that the bit doesn't reach the glass using my tripod drill. I tried to buy an extension, but the American sized extensions are too small. I couldn't find any metric ones.

[Morganica]

You might also look at your drilling workflow. Could be that you're heating up the bit more than necessary?

[Kevin Midgley]

Bit extenders here:

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.a ... 2334,65491

[Tom Fuhrman]

chek out lopacki.com I've used his stuff for many years.

[KaCe]

In the Puget Sound area there is a company called ConCut that can supply drill bits and saw blades. We did a tour of their facility about 7 years ago. It was very interesting and they are great to work with.

KaCe

[Michele gh]

I get my bits from:

http://www.abrasive-tech.com

[CCVICKERS]

I bought Amico 12 mm (.5 inch) bits - 2 bits for $8 from Amazon. I used them to drill through glass electrical insulators (about .5 inch thick glass). I got 10 holes out of one bit. I built a damn with plumbers putty around the area I wanted to drill, and filled the damn with Stained Glass Grinder Coolant mixed with water per the bottle's instructions. When I drilled I took short strokes, then brought the bit up into the Coolant solution in an attempt to keep my bit cool, then took another short stroke at drilling, until my bit broke through the glass. My drill speed was set at 2000 rpm.

[Barry Kaiser]

Daniel Lopacki is a good source,

Also check out ebay seller LAU*** (yep that's correct). Great prices and good quality.

[Barry Kaiser]

Just checked out Rick's ,
It is the online store for LAU***

Great minds......