When using natural materials for ornamental pieces, such as jewelry or decorative objects, we might need to adapt them.
For example, manufactured rhinestones or pendants already have little holes where you can pass chains or thread through to make earrings or necklaces.
However, if you are using stones or seashells, you need to make these holes on your own. Let’s see how to find the right drill for stones to pierce through and decorate them.
What to keep in mind for stone drilling
There are a few things to keep in mind before you start to drill stone:
- The drill
- The bits
- The stones
Choose the correct drill for stones
The first thing you need to consider when making jewelry from rocks is what drill you need to use. You can use a wired or wireless drill, depending on what’s more comfortable for you.
Besides that, you need to use a drill that is strong and fast enough. It is recommended to use a drill that has at least 30,000 rpm (revolutions per minute). This means that the drill’s torque is fast enough.
Even if you use it at a low speed, the capacity of the drill will make the difference. It doesn’t need to be a specific drill for stones; you can use a nail drill if it’s strong enough.
Get the bits and chuck
After choosing the right drill, you need to get the bits. The bits are the tips that are inserted into the drill and the ones that will be in contact with the stone you are drilling.
Each of these bits has different functions. There are some for drilling through the stone, others for cutting, and others for carving the surface. Get whichever you want, depending on the kind of work you want to do.
Besides, each type of bit comes in different sizes. For example, you can get different sizes of the bit used for drilling through to make bigger or smaller holes.
These bits are inserted into a chuck, a small piece that will hold the bits into the drill. Make sure you get bits and the chuck from the same manufacturer to ensure that they are compatible, or confirm they all fit together before buying.
Find the perfect stone
If you are a beginner, you may want to have an easy first project. Drilling projects can have different difficulties based on the stone you choose, as it may be harder or softer.
This can make a huge difference in how long it takes you to drill through. To get an easy-to-drill stone, choose one that is solid in color, round and thin, and that doesn’t have strips of white or beige.
Once you have all the materials, make sure to look for tutorials about how to drill a hole into a rock.
Don’t try to do it by simply looking at a time-lapse video, as you don’t know which drill for stones they are using or any other specifications.
We hope these tips have helped you find the perfect bits and drill for stones to make sure you have an easy drilling journey!