Drilling Tumbled Gemstones
by Denise
I have tumbled many rough gemstones and now want to drill holes in them.
I have purchased the drill press and bits but am having a devil of a time with figuring out how to secure the stone for drilling. My stones are irregular in shape.
I have tried to use putty in the drilling container - works fine for flatter stones but the irregular shaped ones want to shift which causes the stone to be drilled improperly OR to actually break at the drill site.
I have researched bead vices but they are to be used for round beads/stones. Is there ANY way to secure the irregular stone within my vice that will allow complete stability AND the ability to use water as I drill?
I prefer a complete hands OFF approach so that my fingers will remain intact.