"popping a mini-bullseye 1-0-1"

1. get a scrap windshield
2. drill about 1/2 the way into the top layer of the glass.
3. insert a sharp probe into the drilled hole, perpendicular to the glass, and tap it gently. A perfect mini-bullseye should form. The probe needs to be fine enough that it does not touch the walls of the drilled hole. If it does touch, you wont get a bullseye. Instead, it will fracture the walls of the drilled hole.
If no bullseye forms when you tap, drill a 'titch' deeper and try again. In no time at all you will have the feel for it, and will be able to make mini's without even thinking about it too much.

Once you have that skill under control, then make some stars (use a springloaded center punch) and force some cracks out from them (they dont have to be long ones). Practice drilling/popping mini's at the end of the cracks and pushing the cracks into them. There is a wide range of wisdom on how far away from the end of the crack you should drill. I have the best results drilling 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch away. I have no trouble pushing the crack into the mini, even at that distance, since the cracks seek the weak spots.

Be sure to use a sharp drill bit, and dont lean on the glass. Take your time and let the drill do the work.

The main thing is to practice, practice, practice. My final suggestion is: until you have complete confidence in these skills, do not attempt to do a repair for a 'bonafide" client. (As an intermediate practice step, though, you could offer to repair cracks for friends at no cost. Just make sure they are agreeable to the possibility of the crack running further.)

I wish you success with this.



</p>