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Daily Wire Tip Mar. 30: Tools for Drilling Cabochons

By on March 29, 2011
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
March 30, 2011

Question:

I have some cabs that are relatively thin and I would like to know how to drill a hole in them to allow some different types of wire wrapping techniques. Can this be done at home with a standard drill?

-Melonie in Raleigh, North Carolina

Answer:

Depending on the materials and how thin they really are, Melonie, sometimes just a diamond bead reamer will work. For more details please read: Enlarging Holes in Gemstones and watch this helpful video tip: Bead Reaming Made Easy.

My direct answer to your question is no, a regular home drill will not work well, unless you use diamond drill bits and work under water (depending on the model, they can also be very heavy to hold, and a bit cumbersome). Please see this discussion for detailed directions: Drilling Holes in Gemstones. Yes, you can also use a variable speed Dremel, also outfitted with diamond bits (I use a small drill press). Good luck with your new designs!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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