Drilling Tips

[Aussie Sapphire]

Just came across this useful article on drilling stone by Inland Lapidary.

Might be of interest to some:

http://www.inlandcraft.com/howto/pdf/using_diamond_drills.pdf

Other tips I have read on how to avoid break-out chipping are to glue a piece of rock or glass where the drill bit will come out so that when it drills through the work piece, it keeps drilling normally instead of suddenly breaking through and chipping.  This may not be practical if pieces are rounded but worth considering for flat pieces.  Afterwards, simply remove the backing piece and clean off the glue.

cheers
Leah

[bjhodgkin]

Thanks Leah,
I wish I had read something as comprehensive as that before I started drilling - had the problem with the drill 'walking' all over a nice piece of jade-like material that was polished up for a pendant.

Regards

Rob