QuestionI have some sea rocks that are smooth and shiny and would be excellent for jewelry. What drill bit do I used to make the holes for the links? Thank you so much
AnswerHello, Lauren.
You can drill the tumbled stones from the sea but will likely need a diamond drill bit.
If some of the items you have are parts of seashell, a high speed steel drill bit from a hardware store will do but will wear out much more quickly than when drilling softer things. Seashell will need a medium speed and water applied to keep the drill hole clean and keep the bit from overheating.
For stone tumbled by the sea, you definitely need diamond drill bits. Steel simply is not hard enough to touch the stone. Run the drill at a medium speed, steady and smoothly, removing the bit ever so often and putting water on the bit and hole. Overheating will ruin the bit in a hurry. The work is easier to do if the stone is held steady and your hands are free of that job. Stone may be temporarily held to wooden block or other surface with dop wax, the wax used by stone cutters to hold stones for cutting and polishing. (The wax is heated gently and put on the surface which will hold the stone. The stone is warmed gently and placed into the warmed and softened wax. When done, the hard wax is broken away and the remainder is chipped away with a knife blade or dissolved with alcohol.)
If drilling through a stone, go easy when reaching the exit side to keep drill pressure from chipping the exit hole edges.
This copy and paste link has diamond drill bits.
http://www.contenti.com/products/drills/201-110.html
The sea offers many beautiful treasures including sea glass. If you find sea tumbled glass, the diamond bit will work well and easier than with stone. Best wishes with the items you have.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
