Drill hole in china plate.....

[froglips]

Ok, this has me stumped.

I'm trying to drill a small hole in a china saucer for a teacup.

The end result is to attach it to a pole and make a mini bird bath (my mothers plan).

I've ruined 3 kinds of drill bits at various speeds and barely scratched it.

Or, the saucer shatters.

Anyone know how I could drill such a hole?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[toolferone]

If a glass type drill bit is not working then I would look at gluing the plate to the rod.

 

[froglips]

I tried that logical approach, but its her design, and the holes are non-negotiable

Jim

 

[DavidF]

I did this very recently to make a clock for a friend and it was very easy. Get a "spear point" bit, normally marked as for glass. Run the drill press at its slowest speed (250 rpm). Use a tungsten tipped glass cutter to scratch through the glaze at the point you want the hole, this stops the drill skidding and is the key to the whole exercise. Make a ring around the hole with putty and fill with Mineral spirits. Drill slowly and carefully not forcing the drill bit. Once through the glaze it's easy sailing. Place a backer under the plate and go really steadily as you go through the back

 

[FredP]

toss it up in the air and whip out the ol 45 and shoot the hole right through the center! :rolf: thats how it was done in the old west.:roll: anyway after you break the last plate it will no longer be your problem!8-O of coarse this is all tounge in cheek..... i think a better idea was already posted... :rolf:

fred p

 

[froglips]

Oh, I wish I could use a .45...

I found a way that works. Dremel with a cone shaped grinding stone. Made a nice hole.

The opposite side even shows a little spot of scorching. I was able to cut from that side to avoid any glaze fracture (aka blowout).

David, I'm gonna give your method a shot too. See how they compare in terms of speed.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[MikeH]

Jim do you have any pics?

 

[sediener]

http://www.diamond-drill-bit-and-tool.com/Diamond-Drill/MAIN.htm for future reference.

- Steve

 

[MikeH]

http://www.diamond-drill-bit-and-tool.com/Diamond-Drill/MAIN.htm for future reference.

- Steve

Great reference Steve. Thanks!