Cutting a Glass Mirror

[gardenshed]

Not really a boating question but I know that there is good expertise here on the forum:

I have a mirror for the bathroom wall. I need to cut either a slot or some holes in it to allow the wires for a shaver socket to come through and for the securing screws for the socket cover to go through the mirror and secure to the back box.
the mirror is 1.0 x 1.5m

how do I cut or drill the mirror without causing a big crack or shattering it!

Tools available: power drill, dremel, hand tools

 

[cpthook]

I think you can try drilling it underwater, but use a non-mains power tool in case you get fried.

You can cut class underwater with scissors without cracking it, so I presume a drill will work in the same fashion.

If it doesn't work I accept no responsibility for the 7 yrs bad luck.

Dude

 

[sarabande]

you can use a diamond-headed drill bit with a water feed.

These people have details


non-cracky clicky

 

[earlybird]

No guarantee, but I think you can drill glass with a hollow drill, grinding paste and low speed. With respect, the underwater method seems to have a touch of the old wife's tale about it. If it were mine, I'd take it to the local glazier.
Ed. for "hollow drill" read "short length of metal tube."

 

[stephenh]

Cheaper hollowcore bits here :

https://sslrelay.com/www.drills4u.co.uk/...ndex.shopscript

Good info on technique on Sarabande's site. Water not paste.

I have had many mirrors drilled at various glaziers - they have all said 'no guarantees' on breakage so don't be dissappointed if yours does. OTOH none of mine did...

Good luck

 

[cpthook]

The underwater method works...take a piece of glass, a bowl of water and scissors and give it a go.

Dude

 

[jerryat]

[ QUOTE ]
The underwater method works...take a piece of glass, a bowl of water and scissors and give it a go.

Dude

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm amazed, it doesn't seem possible. I'm going to have a go with a spare bit of glass. Do you still have to 'score' the surface as if cutting normally, then use the scissors to sort of 'cut' along the line? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[pappaecho]

I have used successfully in the past a small "ring" of putty round the mark, filled it with water and used a masonry drill at slow speed, but only on clear glass not mirror, and it always has been new glass which is "softer" than old glass.
I have several battery operated shavers, which seem to last for a couple of month before requiring charge. Is this not easier?

 

[gardenshed]

thanks for the tips and hints
I think I may move the shaver socket rather than risk total destruction of the mirror!

 

[peterb]

Grow a beard, as nature intended.

 

[JimMcMillan]

You need a spearpoint bit and benchpress upright drill and low revs, nae problem!