[Jewelry making - Article 00169] - Re: [Orchid] Realistic rocks drilling

[Terry Ogden]

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Hi Jackie

    No not a task for a professional Lapidary, but it might be more
    expensive than you want if you don't use the items often. Yes, pretty
    much any diamond or Carbide coated bit would work. Just remember
    drilling stone is pretty slow and you can't use a lot of pressure.
    When drilling rock, I have found it better to lift the bit from the
    bottom of the work often to let water in and sludge out. 

    A hand electric drill or drill press may be used, I would use a
    hollow core bit for a 1/2 or 1 inch hole, but as you did not say how
    thick these items were, I am only guessing they are thick enough to
    drill into and break the core out with damage to the hearts. Yes, you
    will need a supply of water when you are drilling, otherwise you will
    destroy the bit and have to buy more. 

    Alternate suggestion - Drill smaller holes around the edge, and use
    a threaded screw, like a 6 or 8 and drill in 1/2 inch and epoxy, you
    could get by with a much smaller bit, but you will have to drill more
    holes, but then you could just bolt it on to the box. 

    Last suggestion - If the stones are that large make a
    copper/nickel/brass bezel and drill in from the sides in a couple of
    locations and you could use pins to hold it in making a stronger
    mechanical bond and less reliance on glue. The copper plate could be
    attached to the box by any number of means and the hearts set in. 

    Sounds like an interesting project, good luck to you and your
    friend. 

Terry
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