How to make a vintage 3 tier cake stand?

[Kim333]

Hi Community Members,

I have the vintage dinner plates, the fixings (handles) and a cordless drill, and even though I've watched quite a few videos online, I'm still not sure exactly what drill bit I need!! (they all seem to suggest different types and sizes!) So, if anyone can advise which type/size etc. bit I need, I'd really appreciate it!!

(I have included a sample picture below for your reference)

Thanks

Vintage 3 Tier Cake Stand

[EricL]

Hello @Kim333 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your 3-tier cake stand.

I suggest looking carefully at the threaded rod that will go through the plate. That threaded section comes in a certain size, and you need to get a tile drill bit that will create a hole in your plates that allows that threaded bit to pass through. But at the same time, the hole can't be too big, or the center post will not hold the plate properly. 

I propose bringing the center post to the store and matching the threaded rod to one of the Kango tile drill bits. For example, the Kango 3mm Glass And Tile Drill Bit. My best advice is to place the plate in a plastic basin with water just barely covering the surface of the plate. The purpose of the water is to keep the plate surface and drill bit cool to prevent it from cracking. Do not force the drill bit into the plate allow the drill bit to naturally cut into the plate. 

My best advice is to test it on a different plate first so that you will get a feel of how to handle the drill bit. If you accidentally break the plate its ok, you can keep practicing on the other sections.

Let me call on our experienced members @AlanM52 and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Kim333]

Hi EricL,

Thanks so much for the great advice and tips you have suggested! 

I look forward to more recommendations from the experienced members you mentioned - I need all the help I can get!!

Kim

[AlanM52]

Hello @Kim333,

I have been asked a few times to do this for art & craft people.

For the first job and feeling a bit apprehensive about stuffing it up I went down to the local Op shop and bought a couple of practice plates.

I used much the same method as the video below with a clean piece of timber whereas he lined up with a 'dimple' on a used board and ended up with some minor chipping. You don't have a drill press so arrange for another pair of hands to hold the plate on a folded tea towel or similar.

How to drill a hole through a plate for a cake stand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rr9G_r-Obs

Let us know how it works out.

Cheers

[Noyade]

Evening Kim @Kim333 

"I look forward to more recommendations from the experienced members you mentioned"

Experienced I'm not - but this kit (from Bunnings) has been fantastic for drilling holes in tiles.

For plates - I would definitely be using a drill press (purely because I have one) at low speed - and gentle pressure with water lubricant.

[Kim333]

Hi Alan,

Thanks so much for your reply (and video link) - a second pair of hands is a great suggestion, I will get someone to assist me!

Kim  

[Kim333]

Hi Noyade,

Thanks for your suggestion (and picture) - this kit is a little pricey for me at the moment, just starting out, but if it goes well I will keep it in mind for the future!

Kim