how do I drill a hole in a rock, size of golfball??

Question

the rocks are about size of golf ball and smaller, I am trying to drill small holes in them.I already tried masonary bit, it starts to drill then stops?

Answer 1

Hi,
First you need to clamp the rock in a vice so it doesn't move. Then get some fabric tape and stick it to the rock and cut a small hole in it where you want to drill. The tape will prevent the (masonry drill bit) from sliding over the rock.

Answer 2

To drill a hole in a small rock, you will need patience, lots and lots of patience. However, it can be done.

As others have said, use a vise. However, the real trick is not to use a drill, as this is too big for a small rock. The answer is to use a Dremel tool set on the highest speed and diamond tipped bits that are available for it. Depending on the size of the rock and your luck you may need more than one to get all the way through.

Be sure to wear eye protection and start very slowly with a firm hand. Only take a little material at a time, otherwise, the bit will overheat and the chance for breakage is increased. I don't recommend using water to try to cool the bit because it will only obscure your target and increase the chances of error.

This effort will produce a lot of dust and grit, so be prepared.

Answer 3

Small rocks made of hard stone (like granite) needs good quality bits, and a drill up to the task. Cordless isn't going to do the job for you.

Dribbling a little water on the drill bit sometimes helps by keeping the bit cool.

Try a 3/8 Diamond drill bit.

Resources >

http://www.tempcomfg.com/
http://www.metal-craft.com/
http://shop.champanelectric.com/

Answer 4

I did one all the way into a huge rock 18" with a 90 degree turn to put another hole in the side for another 16" to make a hole for wiring a light at end of my driveway and it took me 2 hours with a Redhead concrete cutting hammerdrill and a concrete bit that was 3/4" for the cables. I had to keep water hose running on it at a trickle to reduce heat on the bit...took time but was worth it as the big iron lamp looks great and is non moving.

Answer 5

http://www.csunitec.com/drills/coredrill.html
http://www.cuttingtechnologies.com/candc.html#1

Looks like these guys sell the industrial equipment that will cut holes in rocks, brick and concrete.

If you don't mind paying someone to do the job I'd bet that by calling these folks they'd tell you someone in the area that does that work.

I also put "concrete drilling" into Yahoo Yellow Pages for my zip code and came up with two contractors and that second link above. I have a cousin that cuts holes with the "diamond wire" system described on that link.

Good Luck

Answer 6

Suggestion: If you're gonna drill rock (use a masonry bit), you better put that thing in a vise.

Answer 7

Rent a Hilti TE76.

Effortless.

Answer 8

WITH A ROCK BIT AND DRILL

Answer 9

HAMMER DRILL AND A MASONARY BIT

Answer 10

Hammer drill and one h*ll of a good hole bit.........Good Luck!