Drilling Stones
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."
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:
Always use diamond drill bits wet.
Use an old plastic container as a water reservoir.
Place a small block of wood or rubber in the water to serve as a drilling surface.
Hold the stone underwater with your fingers just below the surface and drill carefully.
Use an old plastic container as a water reservoir.
Place a small block of wood or rubber in the water to serve as a drilling surface.
Hold the stone underwater with your fingers just below the surface and drill carefully.
2. If drilling underwater isn't possible, dip the drill tip very frequently in water to keep it cool and lubricated.
Also, dip the object you're drilling regularly to prevent overheating.
Also, dip the object you're drilling regularly to prevent overheating.
3. If you see dark grey dust around the hole while drilling, it means the drill and object are too hot.
You're close to damaging both your project and the drill.
Stop and dip immediately to cool down.
You're close to damaging both your project and the drill.
Stop and dip immediately to cool down.
4. Hold the drill bit at a 45-degree angle when you start drilling.
Apply light pressure as the bit begins to pierce the surface.
Then rotate the drill upright to 90 degrees and continue drilling.
This technique helps create a "seat" for the bit and prevents it from slipping on the surface.
Apply light pressure as the bit begins to pierce the surface.
Then rotate the drill upright to 90 degrees and continue drilling.
This technique helps create a "seat" for the bit and prevents it from slipping on the surface.
5. Start with a small bit to create a pilot hole.
If you need a larger hole, gradually increase the bit size.
Starting with a large bit can cause chipping or break the stone.
If you need a larger hole, gradually increase the bit size.
Starting with a large bit can cause chipping or break the stone.
6. Drilling creates dust always wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling particles.
Wear safety glasses, too. Objects can slip or fly out of your hands while drilling, so protect your eyes.
Wear safety glasses, too. Objects can slip or fly out of your hands while drilling, so protect your eyes.
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
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
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
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
Flex Shaft Motor Hangers, Bench Clamp Model
HOL-620.00
- HOL-620.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $31.97
- Gold Club Price: $23.98
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
Benchtop Drill Press
DRL-300.00
- DRL-300.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $124.95
- Gold Club Price: $93.71
Drill Press Vise
VIS-265.00
- VIS-265.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $14.95
- Gold Club Price: $11.21
Safety Glasses
G21-1
- G21-1
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Price: $2.97
- Gold Club Price: $2.23
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
Supply Detail
loading...
Change Metal:
This Tip requires:
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
- Category: Design
- Technique(s): Design, Drilling, General Education
Kate Richbourg
Other Tips by Kate Richbourg
How to Measure a Ring for a Soldered Band
Make Your Own Bead Caps
Six-stepped Round Nose Pliers, I think I Love You
The premier place for all your jewelry making needs. The best in wire, tools, cabochons, gemstone beads and more. As well as a superior resource for educational support to help build your jewelry making skills and techniques.
Connect With Us
® 2007 - 2025 Wirejewelry.com Powered by ClaimTheWeb Cart