Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

I have a barometer on my work bench that needs a replacement glass.. Diameter 77mm, 2mm thickness. BUT a hole in dead centre. I can source a glass but drilling a hole dead centre without a mishap is high risk. Anyone encountered this dilemma or know where to purchase please give a heads up.IMG_0996.thumb.jpeg.6770c7c4426d5dcc0bff6d4e4b9ffab3.jpeg

Posted

I guess the hole is to equalize air pressure inside the case. But does it need to be in the dead centre? Does it even need to be in the glass?

Anyway, I have drilled small holes in glass before using a dental diamond bur. I used a dental highspeed handpiece for the job but a normal drill press would probably work.

You need a coolant to carry away the glass particles to prevent clogging the bur. You can build a dam around the spot to be drilled with plasticine or Rodico and fill it with water. Use very light pressure and be patient. It's going to take awhile. When the hole is almost through, turn the glass over and drill from the other side to prevent chipping the edge of the hole.

Good luck. 

Posted (edited)

Like @HectorLooi says, drilling it yourself is definately doable. This could also be a fun and quick project to make it yourself from std 2mm float, even if time/money is a factor. Lots of "how to" information incl video's online on the drilling. 

Cousins sells clock/barometer glass and they also mention instructions for drilling in that product section. 

Edited by caseback
Posted
4 hours ago, HectorLooi said:

I guess the hole is to equalize air pressure inside the case. But does it need to be in the dead centre?

The hole in the glass has to be central as it's for the Barometer pointer.

Posted

Job done. After a lot of fiddling and testing  I used this method .

I purchased the correct size glass from eBay. To drill the hole I used a diamond core drill bit . I have a small pillar  drill press and submerged the glass in water inside of a jar lid with a cork mat underneath the glass. I drilled very slowly and it was successful but it did chip a bit but it’s not visible. A very happy customer..
 

 

 

 

 

IMG_0998.thumb.jpeg.081f519ff9efe2c28d5dd8a56cfce725.jpeg

  • Like 4


×
×
  • Create New...