What’s the best diamond drill for gemstones?

Gem Related Discussion
1

I’m currently researching options for drilling holes in gemstones such as quartz, agate, and sapphire. Since these materials are tough and can be abrasive on tools, selecting the right drill is crucial for achieving clean results and ensuring tool longevity.

Has anyone here had experience using a diamond drill for gemstones? I’d be interested to hear what worked best in terms of performance and durability. For reference, I found this detailed guide on drills designed specifically for the lapidary industry: https://ukam.com/diamond-core-drills-tools-for-lapidary-industry/

2

Most any Diamond drill bit will drill any stone other than Diamond AS LONG AS IT IS DONE WITH THE STONE BEING DRILLED, SUBMERGED IN WATER and the drill press is operating at a moderate speed, about 400 rpm and held tightly in place.

3

Make friends with your local dentist. They are required to dispose of diamond tipped drill bits long before the bit is used up.

4

The drill bits that dentist use are not calibrated fro metric hole sizes, whereas diamond coated twist bits are calibrated!

5

Yes I second that/ Doesn’t have to be water but must be a coolant . Water Works!

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6

I recommend Lasco Diamond Products in Chatsworth, CA.

Their website is at lascodiamond.com. Quality diamond drills, core drills and all sorts of diamond sintered shapes. As noted above, always use water or other coolant. Also, constantly raise the diamond bit to allow coolant to access the new cutting surface and wash away debris and sludge. Lack of lubrication and forcing the diamond tool too hard are the quickest ways to wear it out. And good diamond bits are not cheap. Buy quality, use lubricant and don’t force it and the bit will last a long time.

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7

Good point — steady RPM and proper cooling are key. Using a quality water soluble coolant also helps reduce friction and extend tool life.

9

That’s a creative idea! Though as rockrat mentioned, calibration makes a big difference - lapidary drills are designed for more precise hole sizes and smoother results.

10

Excellent points. Consistent coolant use and light pressure are essential for tool longevity. I have seen strong results using specialized water-soluble coolants like SMART CUT®.

11

Technically speaking , the water is not necessarily for cooling,but to wash away the swarf, just like on the slab & trim saws.

If you have ever seen a well drilling rig, the bit is impregnated with diamonds so it can drill through most rock. However, the bit is seldom lubricated