[TheForge] Drilling stone

[Larry]

Thanks everyone for all the advice on this problem.  After studying the various
replies, I realize that with as much trouble I think it is to carve out for a
hidden tang in hard wood or antler, I will not like cutting the stone at all.  I
think I'll just keep it intact as a memento of a visit to the petrified forest
and enjoy it that way.  Thanks,

Larry

Demon Buddha wrote:

> Jerry Frost wrote:
>
> > You can also make drill bits from tubing and grit (diamond, etc.) Copper
> > tubing works very well as the grit imbeds in the copper and cuts the stone
> > better. The downside of copper is it's sensitivity to being twisted off in
> > the hole by an over exuberant operator. <grin> A tubing bit has the
> > advantage of being able to deliver coolant in an open circuit. Basically
> > feed it down the tube and return it up the hole around the bit. This really
> > helps prevent cuttings from jamming the bit in the hole.
>
>         I will second this.  Diamond cuts VERY aggressively, but
>         requires a gentle feed.  If you over feed, you actually slow
>         your progress and ruin the drill.  Diamond is a very odd
>         cutting medium and works in some counter intuitive ways.
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