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I ordered a diamond drill bit from them. Quick shipping and excellent service! Thank you for telling us about this place! I returned the almost $70 (with tax) drill bit (size 1 3/4 because that's all they had) at Lowes and ended up saving $30 getting it at this place!! (I got the 1" drill bit. The mini lights fit through the 1" hole and the 1" bit was less $$ but I was thinking a 1 1/4 hole probably would have been easier to clean inside the glass block.)
I also bought the roll of sticky tape from Pennywise. I received it quickly and was pleasantly surprised to find a free domino/beads project! Fun!
Can you buy just one block to try it out or do you have to buy the whole box.
At Lowes you have to buy a case of 12 and they order it for you. They have a no return policy on ordered blocks. When I asked Home Depot if they carry any in stock, they said they do in some places in the city (I live in a Chicago suburb).
At Lowes you have to buy a case of 12 and they order it for you. They have a no return policy on ordered blocks. When I asked Home Depot if they carry any in stock, they said they do in some places in the city (I live in a Chicago suburb).
It all depends on your local Lowe's store. My Lowe's sells them individually.
What I really want to know is how hard or easy is it to drill the holes? I'm not "drill" experienced and would love to make these if it isn't too difficult. I do realize that getting the proper drill bit plays a big part in how easy it can be.
I purchased mine from Home Depot. The one here in Lancaster, CA sells them individually and by the case. They had lots of different sizes, shapes, and designs.
__________________ MyMelissa
Southern California Desert! Ack!
What I really want to know is how hard or easy is it to drill the holes? I'm not "drill" experienced and would love to make these if it isn't too difficult. I do realize that getting the proper drill bit plays a big part in how easy it can be.
I didn't buy the diamond drill bit, but did purchase a bit for drilling glass. It was a total pain in the rear end. I purchased a whole case plus two individually. I have only completed one of the light blocks because it was such a pain.
My 12yr old daughter and I took turns. One would drill while the other kept spraying water at the tip of the drill bit and the glass block. I'd say it took us a good 20 - 30 minutes to drill that one hole in that one block. Ack!
I guess what I'm saying is... don't go the cheap route... it'll discourage you! The drill bit I bought was about $15.00 at Harbor Freight. It looks like an arrow head.
Good luck... they do look spectacular in real life though.
__________________ MyMelissa
Southern California Desert! Ack!
i make these all the time for everyone we use a carbide drill bit from menards that cost almost $17.00 my dh drills them for me in like 2 or 3 minutes. you want to make sure that you dont drill to fast because that will crack it for sure. if you have a menards near you, you can purchase them seperately for around $ 4.00.
I'm so excited I went out on a mission today and found everything I needed for these at Lowes. I got the blocks ( bought 5 of them for now) the bit and 5 sets of lights. The only thing was they didn't have the white strands that | wanted to I'll have to make do with the green. My brother has a drill press and is going to put the holes in for me this weekend. I can't wait I am so excited to do these. Lowes also had some pretty ribbon on for $9.97 for 100 feet.
My ex hubby is a machinist, I wonder if he would drill mine ;)
I so want to try to do one of these. Hmmm..... *plots* :rolleyes:
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikiBee
I was at Target yesterday and they have the strand of 50 in white. Since it's so early in the "season" there was no shortage of them. They were --I think-- $1.89 a box. I grabbed a few.
Now I think I'm off to Home Depot or Lowes this weekend to see if I can get some glass blocks! I'm so excited to do these blocks for Christmas presents! (I'll send them early so they can be enjoyed before Christmas). Luckily my husband is a machinist, so I can sent the blocks with him to work and have him drill the holes for me there.
I didn't buy the diamond drill bit, but did purchase a bit for drilling glass. It was a total pain in the rear end. I purchased a whole case plus two individually. I have only completed one of the light blocks because it was such a pain.
My 12yr old daughter and I took turns. One would drill while the other kept spraying water at the tip of the drill bit and the glass block. I'd say it took us a good 20 - 30 minutes to drill that one hole in that one block. Ack!
I guess what I'm saying is... don't go the cheap route... it'll discourage you! The drill bit I bought was about $15.00 at Harbor Freight. It looks like an arrow head.
Good luck... they do look spectacular in real life though.
My brother drills them with his drill press...in less than a minute each :-D
I'm curious too if the spray adhesive would work. I haven't drilled holes in my block yet (I was able to buy it individually at Lowes). I'm going to go back and see if I can buy any with holes already drilled in them. (I don't have a drill press).
At Lowes you have to buy a case of 12 and they order it for you. They have a no return policy on ordered blocks. When I asked Home Depot if they carry any in stock, they said they do in some places in the city (I live in a Chicago suburb).
Not all Lowe's are the same...mine sells them individually, and in several different sizes/shapes.
__________________ ~Kristi aka Grace
The one constant through all the years...has been baseball.
I would love to make these glass blocks too however how do I make the hole for out the lights in. I thought I read somewhere that you have to buy a 1 1/4" diamond drill bit but everywhere I have called up here only have 1/4 inch drill bits. I even called some glass places to see they they would drill it for me and they don't carry it. Does anyone have any ideas? I think these are gorgeous and would love to make some as gifts.
Because I was only making 1, I had my glass store drill it. I found it very expensive, so if you are planning on making lots, I would buy the drill bit and drill them yourself. Most people were buying them at Home Depot type store. I'm surprised your glass store does not have them.Another idea would be to advertise on your freecycle/craig's list/kijiji type site and see if someone has the bit that could drill them for you.
If you live near a Hobby Lobby, I noticed that this year they are selling pre-drilled glass blocks, they are 7.99 each, some have a rectangle cut in one side, and some I have seen have a circle. This hole is "plugged" with a corresponding size plastic plug, that is removable. I have drilled them before, and it is a chore, not to mention rinsing and re-rinsing to remove all the powder created when drilling. Pre-drilled are the way to go. You also might be able to find them on their website: www.craftsetc.com, usually free shippimg over $35. I believe. I have not looked for them on-line, but would think they have them. Linda
Anyone seen a video on how to decorate the glass blocks. I have seen how to drill the hole and add the lights, but how do you add the pictures and decorations so the light shines through? Also see them with colors??? Help I would like to make one for my Sister in law for thanksgiving but not sure how to add the design.... I have the block, lights, but cannot figure out how to attach and what to coat with so they last.... Help..... Please
I have made many of the glass block lights with graphics on them. I used a glass & tile bit that can be found at most hardware stores. The secret to drilling the block without breaking it is water. I had someone squirt water from a spray bottle on the drill tip as I was drilling. I used a drill press and they went extremely fast. I printed my graphic on full sheet white label paper and then laminated it to give it a gloss look. I used a string of 20 or 35 white lights in the block depending on the size. HTH.
I have done several of these blocks and I prefer to drill out a larger hole and use a single bulb vs. the mini strands. I buy the replacement light cords you use for the christmas villages this time of year and I have never had a problem with them getting too hot. The only other thing I would suggest is using 'mini' bulbs and backing off to a strand of about 20-50. Even the blocks have used with strands have never gotten that hot. I use them as Children's night lights. Change out the strand, and you should have a beautifully lit block for years to come.
Hey y'all. I'm looking for the tutorial on how to make 5-layer buttons from cardstock. I know I've seen it here, but have looked back over the past 4 weeks and can't find it. Does anyone have a link to it? Pretty please? :mrgreen:
