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Glass Tips & TricksNewsletters from our past converted to fresh articles about stained glass.
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Drill Holes In Stained Glass With A Grinder
You can view the video by clicking here.
Some of the pictures have a slightly blurry quality because they were lifted right out of the video that goes with the article.
I start by tracing around the jewel using a Silver Sharpie marker which doesn't come off in water as easily as a black one. The glass is wet because I've ground around it to get rid of sharp edges.
I start by tracing around the jewel using a Silver Sharpie marker which doesn't come off in water as easily as a black one. The glass is wet because I've ground around it to get rid of sharp edges.
Here's the marked glass. I want to grind out the circle inside of the marker.
The grinder bit attached to the Inland grinder is a 1/8" bit.
As you grind, you want push down on the glass not sideways. Pushing sideways runs the risk of bending the thin bit which would put it out of round and cause a lot of wobbling as you grind.
As you grind, you want push down on the glass not sideways. Pushing sideways runs the risk of bending the thin bit which would put it out of round and cause a lot of wobbling as you grind.
I make sure to add water using a sponge on top of the bit.
A bit of pressure on the bit making sure it touches the spot where I want the hole.
I rock the glass back and forth so that different surfaces of the bit make contact with the glass. This will extend the life of the bit.
I rock the glass back and forth so that different surfaces of the bit make contact with the glass. This will extend the life of the bit.
I add water to the top of the bit often to keep it cool.
When I get a good hole started on the back, I use the sponge to fill the hole so the bit stays wet longer.
In no time, the bit pops through the glass.
Then I can add the auxiliary table surface and add water to its' reservoir.
Then I grind to the inner marked ring on the glass.
I'm careful to stay within the lines.
Then I check to see how well the jewel fits. It's a little tight, so I head back to the grinder...
..and grind all around just a little bit more.
The jewel has just the right amount of wiggle room. Room for copper foil on each surface and a perfect fit.
And here is a recent panel where we ground out holes for jewels in a Yin Yang panel.