How to drill a small hole in a porcelain tube?

I have just come across some porcelain tubes that Ithink would sound great as a wind chime.. Problem is I have never drilled them before. Does anyone have any suggestions before I give it a go? I do have access to my works workshop but drill wise is what I am thinking. I dont want to stop the "chime" by having too tight a grip.

The porcelain is not that thick, I was thinking of a cutting wheel fro a grinder and "nicking" the sides but "Scrinches face up"

Dave

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Repairing

Accepted answers

All comments

MitchellMc

Hi @Dave-1

I am not sure whether a grinder is the best approach here, especially on thin porcelain, as the vibration and side loading can very easily cause cracking or a sudden chip that runs. A diamond tile drill bit is usually the safest and most controllable option for porcelain and ceramic. These bits are designed to grind rather than bite, which greatly reduces the risk of cracking. The key is to go slowly, use very light pressure, and keep the bit cool with water while drilling. A small puddle, a spray bottle, or even dipping the bit regularly will help prevent heat buildup.

Avoid gripping the tube too tightly and support it gently on something soft like a folded towel, foam, or rubber mat, and let the drill do the work. Starting at a slight angle can help prevent the bit from skating, then slowly bring it upright once it has begun to cut.

With patience and cooling, porcelain drills very cleanly and should leave you with neat holes that will not interfere with the chime at all.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AlanM52

Good afternoon @Dave-1,

Good to see you are still with us mate 🙂

I usually do the underwater thing but for thin porcelain stuff like that I made a jig.

Excuse the sketch sometimes during the day the right hand decides to shake a bit.

(1) Scrap offcut with routed V grove (2) clamped to edge of workbench.

(3) I have a mini 3 speed USB drill (not Dremel type) fitted with diamond wheel and cut a cross to help start the drill bit.

I also hot glue tack down to hold secure which prevents rotating.

Cheers

Dave-1

Evening @MitchellMc

Mmmmm yeah I think I might agree, I was talking to the workshop boys and they have a drilling machine that will constantly cool whats cutting. I just need a diamond coated drill or eqiv :) Lets see if it works! Will let you know.

Dave

Dave-1

Evening @AlanM52

I really like the jig idea and even the hot glue, I was concerned about it wanting to rotate and @MitchellMc idea of a cloth was agood idea, but I like the V notch and hot glue as something that should (c4ross fingers) work.

Will have a goo next week :) I pity my neighbours if it works :D

Dave

AlanM52

@Dave-1,

Forgot to mention with assistance someone can do the cooling thing with spray bottle.

Alan

Child Item