MalibuSky
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2004
Posts: 17
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Post by MalibuSky on May 4, 2004 13:29:23 GMT -5
My daughter would really like to make a bracelet from some of our polished stones but I have no clue what I should use to drill through the rocks! I went to a craft store and they had no clue, told me I should contact a jeweler's suppy company.
Can I use a regular power or hand drill? If so, what type of vise would hold a small pebble?
Thanks
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shorty
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2003
Posts: 392
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Post by shorty on May 4, 2004 14:52:45 GMT -5
hi malibou hi shorty here i hope you have better luck drilling than i did some people say have patience well how mutch pat do you have to have.i drilled tried to drill throu a piece for three days with out stop in watter with a diamon drill. nite and day 5 bits in a drill press. with no luck if that is no pat what is .. i finally got pissed and got some jewlers glue and got my chane stuck on the pice ididnt really try to get a hole in .so dont let my proublem stop you tho keep trying and let us now how it works out.. shorty
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mudd1973
starting to shine!
new member of Culver City Rock and Mineral Club
Member since May 2003
Posts: 33
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Post by mudd1973 on May 4, 2004 16:19:11 GMT -5
Hi MalibuSky and daughter, Does your ID mean you live in SoCal? I ask because I'm planning to try to drill some of my stones and bought a drill setup at a rockhound's estate sale. From what I've read online, it isn't easy but it is doable. One crafter I know uses a Dremel with a daimond bit. You have to keep the stone and bit cool, otherwise the stone cracks and the bit wears out to quickly. So, you drill the hole with the stone in a shallow pan of water. You only drill a little at a time, pulling the bit back to allow fresh water in. You also drill from both sides, otherwise a chunk of the bead chips off as the bit nears the far surface. I'll check on a few web sites I have listed at home that had some better instructions and sold bits. PS - I'm near LAX - maybe we could experiment drilling rocks with both of our daughters some weekend. My daughter is 8. Ellen
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Pdwight
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 619
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Post by Pdwight on May 5, 2004 21:32:28 GMT -5
Same experience here, I tried to drill through some Apache Tears with a diamond drill and water...no problem..then I tried it with some Ocean Jasper......NO LUCK..I gave up when the last of my diamond drills wore out. I noticed places like "The Rock Shed" have neclaces and braclets with a lot of small rock drilled and strung....and for less than 20 bucks.....Hell I wouldnt drill through two rocks for 20 bucks as hard as it was......How do they do that ?? Dwight P
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MalibuSky
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2004
Posts: 17
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Post by MalibuSky on May 7, 2004 11:26:04 GMT -5
Hi All, Thanks for your words of wisdom. If it is so hard to drill these darn stones...how does it get done! I am not one to give up. I purchased a Dremel and have some diamond bits coming. I am also currently bidding on Dremel drill press on e-bay...nobody her bid against me. I will keep everybody updated on my progress once I give it a try. Keep your fingers cross for me and hope I dont injure myself with is very likely with me and a power tool Mudd1987, where you the one I contacted about he rocks off of Kanan Rd.? It sure sound like it is...let me know.
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