Does drilling in glass seem difficult?

Do you have a project or craft that requires you to drill glass?

With some basic tools and setup drilling glass is not that difficult. The most important part is using the correct bit. The bit has to be harder than the glass. Never drill tempered glass and remember safety since you are working with power tools and glass.

Follow the steps below and you can do the same.

Step 1: Making a Jig for Drilling a Glass Bottle

The jig used for drilling a glass bottle is very simple to make. It is important is to make sure everything is lined up so the bottle will sit secure in the jig and on the drill press. The wood used was just from my scrap pile so it was not expensive.

Materials

Small piece of 2x4

Piece of plywood

4 wood screws

One bottle

Tools

saw

drill press

hole saw

Step 2: Setting Up the Bottle

The top and bottom of the bottle circumference are measured and a hole saw is matched. Finding the right height on the blocks is important so the bottle stays level in the jig. When everything is line up the two blocks are screwed into the base plywood. Two screws are in each block, so when one of the screws is removed the block will swivel and the bottle can be removed easily.

Step 3: Supplies

Pipette: A pipette or dropper is used to transfer water to the dam. You can apply very small amounts of water and this will help keep things tidy so you don't get water all over the place.

Plumbers Putty: The putty is used to make a dam to hold a small amount of water for the drilling. The water helps you drill faster and keeps the bit cooler and the bit will stay sharp longer.

Diamond Coated Hole Saw Bit: This will cut the glass. It sounds expensive but it is not, I bought mine on sale for around $8.00. The hole saw works best at low speeds (100 to 200 rpm).

Step 4: Drilling the Glass

Now for the fun part. When everything is stable and lined up it will be easy to drill in the bottle. The bit will make funny noises when drilling into the glass but this is good as you can tell how much pressure to use. To prevent “heat shock,” use the pipette and add some water. Water keeps everything cool and actually helps the hole saw cut a little faster. Work slow and you will be fine. Since I was drilling two holes I rotated the bottle and drilled the other side. The small pieces of glass that fall inside the bottle can just be shaken out.