What You Will need:
- Large diamond core drill bit. (often referred to as diamond hole saw)
- Sponge and water or water containment suction ring (or putty moulded into a ring will do just as well)
- Vacuum cleaner
- Hole template (optional)
Disclaimer. Using rotary tools near water has never been, to the best of our knowledge, endorsed by any of the rotary tool manufacturers. If you do choose to drill near water or with attachments under water connected to your drill then you do so at your own risk. Please be aware that mixing electricity and water can be very dangerous.
Step 1
Mark the position of where you require the hole to be with a white marker and place a strip of masking tape over the top. Unless of course like Mr High Desert Stone Works in the video you have a template to draw around. When you begin to drill the masking tape will help prevent any skittering across the surface of the granite. Set up your vacuum cleaner hose near to the intended drill hole to suck up any granite debris as you drill.
Step 2
Soak a sponge in water (keeping a bowl of water to hand in order to top up) and place directly next to your intended drill hole. The purpose of using a lubricant such as water is to ensure the material and your drill bit do not overheat which can cause your material to crack and will shorten the life of your drill bit. The other option here is to use a water containment suction ring which will hold the water into the ring whilst you drill. (A bit of putty moulded into a ring will do just as well)
Step 3
Start the drill on its lowest rpm setting to begin with and angle your drill on the masking tape whilst at the same time squeezing water from your sponge directly onto the drilling process. The angling of the drill will again help to prevent any skittering across the surface. At this point if you are using one, place your water containment ring on the granite and continue to drill through ensuring there is a constant pool of water in the ring. If you are not using a ring, once you have made the initial cut by angling the piece into the granite return your drill to its normal vertical position and continue to drill through your tile.
For further help, you might also like to read our article:12 Things you Should Know about Diamond Drill Bits
