drilling question

[jas932]

For those of you drilling pearls, got a question for you.

Starting with an undrilled pearl, and taking it up to 1.2mm drill hole, how many drill bit sizes do you use?

Do you start with .6, and increase in incriments of .10? That would require 8 different drill bit sizes to get to 1.2.

Do you jump sizes, and use 3 or 4 bits? Or do you drill just once, using only the 1.2?

Thanks

julie.

 

[barbie biggs]

Dear Julie: Best to email Jeremy at PP or Josh at Kamoka or maybe Sarah at Kojima Pearls. All of these people drill pearls for a living and would be an invaluable source for experiential information.
I think you would drill at least 3 times for a hole that size but don't quote me. Definitely twice as you need a guide hole so the pearl doesn't crack.
barbie

Jeremy drilled a 15mm pearl for my husband and I don't think he went up in quite such minimal increments as you describe.

 

[jas932]

Thanks Barbie

currently I'm drilling 4 times, but it's tedious work. And these drill bits dull quickly and are a bit pricey, so it adds up.

thanks for the suggestions.

julie.

 

[pearlescence]

I'd go .7 1mm then 1.2mm
changing the bits is a faff but better to sneak up on a larger hole if you have the time.
You could jump from .7 to 1.2 but I wouldn't unless I was feeling very lazy indeed

 

[jshepherd]

It really depends on the type of pearl. If you are drilling an akoya, drill in .10 mm increments. If it is something hardier, just two to three would be fine.

If I'm using a new drill bit and drilling a Tahitian at 1.5 mm, sometimes I will only use the 1.5 bit. But you have to be careful never to push if the pearl starts to resist. It will crack. Also, don't let it get too hot. Drill in increments with time for the pearl to cool.

 

[jas932]

Thanks y'all.

I'm drilling a bunch of pearls at one time, freshies and tahitians.

There are no shortcuts, that's for sure.

julie.

 

[judimcc6]

Do you drill under water? I use a lot of water to keep the pearl cool enough and lubricated. Less chance of cracking.

 

[pearlescence]

water...what sort of drill are you using?

 

[judimcc6]

flexshaft. I'm not actually totally underwater! The drill bit and pearl are under or near the surface of the water.

 

[pearlescence]

Ah. Never had a problem with temperature of the pearl as long as the bit is sharp and the drill is going fast enough - it is also a good idea to ease the bit out every so often to clear dust as well.

 

[judimcc6]

Gotcha! Have you ever had any problems with inhaling pearl dust? I've tried to wear a mask, but it is so awkward and difficult to focus on small items. I've had a wicked cough for too long. That is one of the reasons I tried drilling in water, to minimize the dust.