making ceramics?

Question

I have a fired ceramic plate and I would like to know how to drill a hole in the middle, I'm trying to turn it into a clock. Any help would be very welcome. Thanks

Answer 1

There is a set of diamond tipped drill bits specifically for drilling into tile, glass, ceramics. I got mine at WalMart beleive it or not.They have them at hardware stores, too.
The bits look like a spade on the end and most tile people have a thing called a wetsaw that keeps there blade cool while cutting, that is the thing that keeps the piece from cracking but there are other factors at work here.
I used the set to drill holes into saucers for a project so I know it can be done.
I got out an old baking pan about three inches deep, half filled with water. Then I put a sponge in the bottom for the saucer to rest on and absorb vibrations. Next, I put the bit in the drill, marked dead center with a permanent marker and drilled, rest after a minute and drill, don't bear down on the ceramic, let the drill do the work and don't let these naysayers talk you out of trying, you might find you are really good at this and make clocks out of plates or bowls or ashtrays if you want.
Which reminds me, try practicing on an old chipped plate or ceramic ashtray or something ugly you don't care about, then go for it.

Answer 2

Go to a hardware store and ask the clerk if there is a special drill bit for drilling through china/ceramic. I'm pretty sure there is.

Answer 3

Yes, you should have drilled it before firing to prevent cracking. Now, it would take a really fine bit, or diamond bit drill that would slowly be able to drill through it.

You run the risk of it cracking. You might consider taking it to someone with the proper tools to do that.

Answer 4

You should have drilled it before firing it