what kind of bit do i need to drill

[Lee Barner]

in rocks. i need to make some 1/8" or maybe smaller in some little rocks. any experience or ideas? thanks. lee

 

[Mickey D]

Masonry bit should do it. But you may need a rockchuck.

 

[snubbyfan]

For cinderblocks, bricks and concrete I use carbide tipped masonry bits and a hammer drill, haven't tried drilling rocks yet. If I did I'd probably try using a masonry bit with a drill press and have the rock clamped in place.

 

[Tenn2]

I have had some success with carbide tipped bits used for concrete. Just try not to let them chatter as it will break the tip. You might use a stone in a hand grinder to get a flat surface first as a good starting point. Do not get cheap bits as they will not last.
Russ

 

[keith44spl]

Ya might try a ball end carbide burr in a drimeltool.

 

[forresth]

what sort of rocks?

 

[Damn Yankee]

Look Here.

Irwin Multi-Material Masonry Drill Bit - Mills Fleet Farm

 

[williamlayton]

Plastic won't work well.
Blessings

 

[buck460XVR]

Carbide masonry bits work well, but depending on the hardness of the rocks/stone, you may have to lubricate with water. They make diamond tipped bits also that would work better on the harder rocks.

 

[kozmic]

Lee: I would suggest an 1/8" (don't think you'll find one too much smaller) paddle-type diamond coated bit designed for drilling through glass. I would secure the stones in a well padded vice or some sort of jig. Use a small spray bottle or eye dropper with some soapy water to keep the area around the drill hole pretty well lubricated. A third hand will come in "handy" (sorry!) here. It will aid in the cut and keep the bit a "bit" (sorry again!) cooler. Don't use a cutting oil or similar, it will make a mess and may stain the stones.
I would use a regular high speed drill (not hammer drill). Use a slight circular, vary the speed and do not use too much straight downward force. LET THE DRILL DO THE WORK!
You may find that when you start to break through that you'll get less chipping if you flip the rock and finish the hole from the opposite side.
I might be worth a practice run to get the feel of things.
YMMV.
Good luck!

 

[Rule3]

Rocks or Rock's are much harder than masonry unless it's sandstone or something. A diamond tip bit as mentioned by Kozmic would seem to be a better idea.

I have used large ones('s) to drill out large holes('s) in the back of marine fish tanks('s) for plumbing, filters and pumps('s). Put a ring of plumbers('s) putty around it to make a circle and keep water in it as a lube. A 1/8" bit is gonna be hard not to break, Slowly grind not drill. Good luck!

 

[cussedemgun]

Google 'lapidary drill bits'

If you're talking one hole, you might be money ahead to have your local jeweler drill it for you.

 

[Rule3]

Google 'lapidary drill bits'

If you're talking one hole, you might be money ahead to have your local jeweler drill it for you.

Good point (no pun intended but I'll take it) those bits are expensive.!!

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Me, I'd use a LASER BEAM.

 

[jlrhiner]

I'd use a really sharp knive.

 

[linde]

Lots of good thoughts here . . . let me add one. Whatever bit you choose . . . when drilling in stone, masonry, ceramics, etc. wear good eye protection.

Russ

 

[Kelly Green]

What you are looking for is a hollow, diamond-tipped coring bit. Jewelry supply houses carry them in various sizes. These bits are used for drilling holes in small pebbles or stones.

 

[Lee Barner]

kozmic, thanks. i have some of those already for my wife's craft stuff. i have a vice that fits on my drill press. these are small rocks: flat and no bigger than 1-1 14" diameter. lee

 

[Rule3]

Me, I'd use a LASER BEAM.

Don't upset the Hortas

 

[Sebago Son]

Lee, maybe you should have volunteered for the license plate factory instead...