Drilling Stones
by Kate Richbourg
Here's how to drill almost any stone you have in your collections, from pebbles to semi precious!
Instructions
Kate says: "Drilling stones is easier than you might think. The secret is the correct bit and WATER! My favorite Drill bits are the Diamond Core Drill Bits Set from Jewelrytools.com - (a sister site to WireJewelry.com). Use them in your Dremel, flex shaft or drill press."
Here are some tips to consider when drilling:
1. Always use diamond drill bits wet. Use an old plastic container as a water reservoir. Place a small block of wood or rubber block in the water as a drilling surface. Hold the stone that you are drilling underwater with your fingers just underneath the surface of the water and drill.
2. If it's not possible to drill underwater, dip the tip of the drill frequently (very frequently) in water to keep it cool and lubricated. Also dip the object being drilled.
3. If you see dark grey colored dust around the hole as you are drilling, that means that the drill and object are too hot and you are close to breaking your project and drill. Dip immediately if this happens.
4. Hold the drill bit at a 45-degree angle as you begin to drill. Apply slight pressure and as the drill begins to pierce the surface, rotate the tool upright to 90-degrees and continue to drill. This will provide a "seat" for the drill bit and prevent it from skittering over the surface of the piece you are drilling.
5. Start with a small bit to make a pilot hole. Increase the bit size if a larger hole is desired. Starting with a large bit increases the possibility of chipping or breaking the stone.
6. Drilling makes dust. Wear a dust mask while you work to prevent breathing particles in. Wear safety glasses. Objects can fly right out of your hands as you drill. Take care to protect your eyes.
Kate Richbourg's Drilling Stones - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, Drilling, Drill, , Drilled Stones
I hope that you enjoyed reading Kate's amazing tip on drilling stones! If you use this tip and love it - send us a picture of what you've made. We'd love to see it!

Happy Wrapping
Judy Ellis

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Diamond Core Drill Bits, Set of 6
DIB-500.00
  • DIB-500.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Diamond Coated 3/32 Drill Bits - Set of 6
G26-55
  • G26-55
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $38.97
  • Gold Club Price: $29.23
Out of Stock
Variable Speed Rotary Tool with Flexible Shaft
G26-51
  • G26-51
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $49.97
  • Gold Club Price: $37.48
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Foredom Foot Control for 115 Volt Series SR Motors
G22-C.FCT-1
  • G22-C.FCT-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $44.44
  • Gold Club Price: $33.33
Out of Stock
Flex Shaft Motor Hangers, Bench Clamp Model
HOL-620.00
  • HOL-620.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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  • Price: $31.97
  • Gold Club Price: $23.98
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4x4 Inch Rubber Block
G17-12
  • G17-12
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.95
  • Gold Club Price: $6.71
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Benchtop Drill Press
DRL-300.00
  • DRL-300.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $109.95
  • Gold Club Price: $82.46
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Drill Press Vise
VIS-265.00
  • VIS-265.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
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Safety Glasses
G21-1
  • G21-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Price: $2.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.23
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Individually Packed Disposable Face Masks - Pack of 50
G21-2
  • G21-2
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
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  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Design, Drilling, General Education