Drilling glass insulators

[Dragfluid]

The type that were on the telephone/telegraph poles. I'd like to bore a hole in the center, and I was wondering if anyone here had any first hand knowledge? I'm sure that it being old glass has some bearing?

Thanks!

 

[SimS]

What size hole? A diamond core bit would be my choice. Use lots of water or submerge in water if possible. Any pictures?

SimS

 

[Dragfluid]

Similar to this. (pulled off the web) About 2 1/2" in diameter.
As far as hole size, probably 3/8".

 

[ZipSnafu]

I have a few of those sitting around the shop for decoration. I was going to drill a hole in them and hang them but decided not to. I would go the route SimS said.... diamond bit and lots of water. Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

 

[engineer2]

You can try the conventional spade-type glass drill bits that are commonly available, but a diamond core bit would be best. If the insulator has any residual stress from when it was manufactured, it may crack from drilling. You won't know until you try unless you have access to a polariscope.

 

[akalian]

People collect those things.
It would be a shame to drill a hole in one worth $10,000 and diminish it's value.

More info here:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/tools-and-hardware/insulators

.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

To think we used to throw rocks at them when we were kids. I wish I had all the ones I broke...

Tommy

 

[rustrunner]

Dropped alot of them to the bottom of the pole

 

[dfiler2]

There are a few that are valuable but for the most part they aren't worth much. I've drilled a few of them using a small diamond grip hole saw. like this. You need to keep it wet as you are drilling but it is pretty easy. I made a few hanging lights from them.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODSS5NO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Dragfluid]

Maybe some very rare and unique styles may be worth something, but for the most part, they are only a few bucks each. I bought 3 this past weekend at a couple of thrift stores for $3.00 each. There's a crapload more in CL.

 

[Dragfluid]

There are a few that are valuable but for the most part they aren't worth much. I've drilled a few of them using a small diamond grip hole saw. like this. You need to keep it wet as you are drilling but it is pretty easy. I made a few hanging lights from them.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODSS5NO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks! Just put in my order.

 

[Barnabas]

There are a few that are valuable but for the most part they aren't worth much. I've drilled a few of them using a small diamond grip hole saw. like this. You need to keep it wet as you are drilling but it is pretty easy. I made a few hanging lights from them.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODSS5NO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I recently drilled a hole in the bottom of a hundred wine bottles to be used as part of a theatre set. I used a diamond drill like the one that was suggested. I set up a jig on my drill press so I could drill each bottle from the bottom. The dimple on the bottom of the bottle held just enough water to keep the bit cool and lubricated while I drilled.

Definitely use a drill press so you can keep the drill bit straight.
Can you drill the insulator with it upside down? If so, you can spray a little water in it to cool the bit.

If you have to drill right side up, you need a small pool of water. You could build a small dam out of clay that could be reused a few times. Or get a friend to spray water on the bit as it cuts. Use a spray bottle like an old Windex bottle. Add a little soap to the water to make it stick to the glass better.

Drill at low speed and a medium pressure.

 

[Stuart in MN]

People collect those things.
It would be a shame to drill a hole in one worth $10,000 and diminish it's value. .

It may be possible that there is one type worth that much, but the vast majority are probably more in the $5 range. They made millions and millions of the things.

 

[lazyriverrat]

I used a diamond hole saw bit, put the bit in a drill press. Once I got the bit centered I drilled enough to make an indent. Then I put the insulator in an ice cream bucket full of water, centered the bit again on the indent, and held it while I drilled the rest. I've done quite a few this way with the same bit.

 

[ScottsGT]

Great thread. I've got a few that I've been wanting to make lamps out of somehow.

 

[Dragfluid]

It may be possible that there is one type worth that much, but the vast majority are probably more in the $5 range. They made millions and millions of the things.

Stu, have you ever gone west on 55 past 494? The poles along the railroad tracks have hundreds if not thousands of those things still there.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Stu, have you ever gone west on 55 past 494? The poles along the railroad tracks have hundreds if not thousands of those things still there.

I have, and I did notice them. It would be a tricky place to get them from, though...you'd be pretty exposed to anyone driving by if you tried to shinny up there and take them down.

When I was a kid I collected a bunch of the things off some old abandoned telephone lines by my folks' cabin in northern Minnesota (they were so old, some of them were actually nailed to trees instead of actual poles.) I think I still have a few of them in a box somewhere.

One thing I did back then was to fill them with wax and a wick to make candles (hey, it was the 1960s.) I got some light chain, ran one short strip around the circumference in one of the grooves, then connected that strip to three strands that went up and fastened to a hook, so the whole thing could be hung from the ceiling. This also worked as a planter for small plants.

 

[nickleone]

I drilled a few with a diamond core drill (HOME DEPOT). Put it upside down in the press and fill it with water. Drill slowly.

Nick

 

[Lynden]

Have you seen this video?

https://www.google.com/search?clien...gws-wiz.......0i71j0i13.TCQXZbiDZeA#kpvalbx=1

https://www.google.com/search?clien...gws-wiz.......0i71j0i13.TCQXZbiDZeA#kpvalbx=0

 

[Dragfluid]

Have you seen this video?

https://www.google.com/search?clien...gws-wiz.......0i71j0i13.TCQXZbiDZeA#kpvalbx=1

https://www.google.com/search?clien...gws-wiz.......0i71j0i13.TCQXZbiDZeA#kpvalbx=0

Thanks!

 

[Anti chrome]

That's how we always drilled glass when I worked for PPG ,except we used glazing putty for the dam.

 

[dfiler2]

Have you seen this video?

https://www.google.com/search?clien...gws-wiz.......0i71j0i13.TCQXZbiDZeA#kpvalbx=1

https://www.google.com/search?clien...gws-wiz.......0i71j0i13.TCQXZbiDZeA#kpvalbx=0

Thanks, using plumbers putty to hold the water in is a great idea!

 

[3robert 1]

Diamond bit water slow light touch drill press works great been testing that method recently because wife has some items that need drilling. Keep the speed slow with a steady touch

 

[JohnKal]

Thanks, using plumbers putty to hold the water in is a great idea!

Duct Seal is another option.