Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Drill Bits

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Power drills are staples of the toolboxes of casual DIYers and professionals alike, together with a good selection of drill bits. Among the most popular drill bits is twist drills, those that have double flutes which go up the sides culminating to a sharp point.

If the owner of the toolbox uses a lot of wood for his work, it probably will even have auger bits, brad point bits and possibly even Forstner bits. And you may add driving bits in that toolbox because they are useful for rapidly pushing Phillips head screws directly into position. However, one type of drill bit that is not as commonly seen in toolboxes as the other bits is the diamond drill bit.

If you’re reading this, then you likely will need to use a diamond drill bit soon or are considering using one. Here’s a fast guide to diamond drill bits.

1. What are they used for?

Diamond drill bits are utilized to make holes through tough or delicate materials such as glass, stone, ceramic materials, and bones. They are frequently used on sea glass, beach glass, stone, precious gems, pebbles, ceramic tiles, glazed pottery, shells, antlers and fossils.

Many jewelry manufacturers utilize small diamond drill bits for making holes. People working with glass utilize diamond core exercises that are as little as 1mm.

Diamond is the hardest substance on the Mohs scale and the Vickers test, therefore any substance could be cut or drilled with a diamond.

2. How quickly should I operate?

The paradox of superstrong substances is they can easily get ruined when its structure is compromised during the drilling procedure. Always go slow when drilling with a diamond drill bit, especially at the start. This will aid in preventing fractures and small breakages from the material and help prolong the working life of your drill bit.

Always use the lowest setting on the drill, only increasing the speed halfway through the substance. Turn it down again when you’re nearing the other hand.

3. What do they look like?

Diamond core drill bits are hollow and are designed so that water can flow inside and out around the drill bit to keep it cool and to help in debris removal. The water also prevents fractures and fissures in the material being drilled. They are sometimes seen in a wide array of sizes, to match a host of several uses and requirements.

There are two chief types of drill bits: Electroplated and Sintered diamond drill bits.

Electroplated drill bits have one layer of coating on the steel shank. After the diamond jacket has worn out, you’ll have to replace it with a brand-new drill bit.

Sintered drill bits have a lot of layers of diamonds on the steel shank. As there are many coating layers, sintered drill pieces are somewhat more costly than their own electroplated cousins. However, they last for a longer period. Sintered pieces require cleaning with an aluminum oxide rock before and after every use to expose a fresh diamond coat.

4. Just how long can they last?

Your drill bit’s lifespan is dependent upon your speed, the type of oil used, pressure, as well as the density of the material. There’s no obvious answer to this one, however, a diamond drill bit used to cut through bone will last far more than one utilized to drill holes in sapphires and granite.

Never neglect to keep the rate setting in the lowest pressure, and keep the drill bit cool with lots of water.

5. What are some common problems?

Since diamond drill bits are ideally used at the lowest speed setting, the drill bit should not ever feel hot or even warm to the touch. If you smell burning, then switch off the drill instantly.

Every one of the problems you may encounter while using a diamond drill bit could be caused by just three things: High speed, too much pressure, and inadequate water.