Diamond Drill Bits - Lubrication

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2013/2/4 Read:1031

   Water must always be used to cool and lubricate the diamond drill tip.  The lubrication reduces heat build-up, prolonging drill bit life and helps avoid heat fractures in the material.  Water is most often used as the lubricant, since it works very well and has no cost.  Oil based lubricants do not work well on diamond drill bits.

   Good lubrication is critical.  Minimal lubrication will keep the bit from burning up, but good lubrication techniques will extend bit considerably.

   When drilling in fiberglass, a diamond drill can be used dry or with a very small amount of water.  When drilling in glass or ceramic, soft ceramic tile and porcelain, if properly lubricated, the dust from the cut should dissipate into the water.  The drill bit contact with the surface should always be wet and the drill bit tip should never be hot.  If the tip is ever more than just warm, it is generally an indication of too little lubrication (or possibly too much speed or pressure).

   When drilling in hard, abrasive materials such as limestone, sandstone, hard ceramic and porcelain tiles, marble or granite, it is critical to have lots of lubrication.  With these hard materials, it is common to drill under water or to have a small amount of water constantly running over the drill bit and bore hole.  In either case, the "pumping" technique described below is needed to assure water reaches the very tip of the bit.

   This discussion is only a guide.  It is almost impossible to have 'too much' lubrication, however, 'too little' lubrication will cause many problems.

Helen