WarmGlass.com

Hi, I'm looking to do production of some ornaments where I need to drill a hole in each ornament for the hanging hook. I just tried out a 1/16" diamond drill using my Dremel, and I felt it took longer than I expected to drill through a 1/8" piece of glass, about a minute it seemed. Should I use a different drill bit (mine is a solid diamond-coated bit from UKAM). Is the triple-ripple faster? The core bits? Thanks, David

A minute is pretty fast if you ask me. I drill lots of holes with bigger hollow core bits and often take ten minutes. Much more pressure and the glass breaks.

Don't know what you're using for drill bits, but using either a Glastar or Inland 1/8" bit on a drill press we do hundreds - each in just under a minute.

Using a dremel, a minute each is reasonable. For high speed production, you'll need a drill press and better grade drill bits. Expect to pay about $50+ for each commercial quality bit.

looking to buy a drill press. what do you recommend? where can I get the bits as well?

I've ordered a Dremel drill press fixture, which I've seen mentioned on this site as being reasonably good. For fairly small holes I guess. I bought some small (1/16") bits from UKAM on the web. Someone on this site recommended http://www.kingsleynorth.com. On their site, go to "Lapidary Supplies" (not "Jeweler's Tools"), and page down to the listing of categories, and you'll find diamond drill bits. They have a couple of different kinds.

For commercial quality bits (or just about any commercial quality glass equipment/supplies) I'd suggest C R Laurence.
http://www.crlaurence.com/

The primary advantage of a drill press is it allows you to come down with a smooth steady pressure. That's critical for drilling glass. Yes, you can use the drill press adaptor for your dremel, but I'd strongly recommend that if you want to do production work you buy a small standard drill press. You can get one at Home Depot for about $150. The right tool for the right job. Dremels are great for engraving - barely adequate for drilling.

Is a 1/16" tripple ripple bit large enough to create a jump ring hole through a three layer dichroic glass pendant If not whar size bit should be used

Is a 1/16" tripple ripple bit large enough to create a jump ring hole through a three layer dichroic glass pendant If not whar size bit should be used

Bob, that sounds plenty big. I've got the 2.1mm, and if that's a close conversion I'm bad at that stuff.
Anyway, the only thing might be the thickness of the glass and the roundness of the jumpring. A little manipulation on one end of the ring will get it through, just bend it back. Also I use straight wire and make me own double loop and wrap it. A 20 guage seems to work well for me.