Finally Some Creative Progress — Drilling Holes in Stone
After what seems like an extremely long preamble, mixed with bouts of procrastination, I finally made some progress today!
Specifically, I managed to finally take the time to get set up and get some holes drilled in flat stones that I need to paint and turn into pendants before a show we are vending at, later this month.
Today's drilling efforts: 20 stones ready to paint
Experimentation
Most of the "base stone" I use for painting Alchemy Stones is very hard, so drilling is rather a hassle. On occasion, a stone turns out to be extremely hard (dark stone at upper right) because it turns out to actually be a piece of BC Jade (6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale) and requires exceptional patience.
Stones like these have to be drilled with diamond coated drill bits, and it has to take place under water to keep the bits from overheating and shattering from the friction.
A shallow metal tray and a piece of plywood in water is the base for underwater drilling
Drilling in stone is not as simple as it might sound, even with the right tools.
After considerable experimentation, I gave up on the idea of drilling from both sides and hoping the holes would meet at the middle.
Why drill from both sides? Well, when drilling from just one side, you are likely to create a broken edge around the hole at breakthrough, and that can be not only ugly, but time consuming to break down.
I now do drill from just one side, but it takes four different drill bits per hole!
Four different bits to drill a hole!
The "teardrop" bit (left) is the best way to start a hole, and I use it to make a small hollow.
The cylinder bit then does most of the grinding and working away material. I try to go about 3/4 of the way through the stone.
Then I use the pointed bit with the needle-like point to very carefully burst through, making only a tiny pinhole to the back side of the stone.
I flip the stone over and use the pinhole as a guide, and enlarge the hole with the teardrop bit.
Finally, I polish and smooth the inside of the hole with the slightly conical bit.
Woo-hoo! A nice smooth hole!
Depending on the hardness and thickness of any one stone, it takes between about three minutes and up to twenty minutes to drill each hole.
Today, I managed to get 20 stones drilled... so tomorrow I can start on the painting.
I always drill the stones first, and then paint them second... that way I don't waste time if a painted design were to be damaged during the drilling process. Better safe than sorry!
And yes, the whole thing is very labor intensive!
A finished pendant from a prior session
Even Got Some Painting Done!
It has been quite a long time since I last painted stones, so I decided to do a few "practice pieces" before starting to paint pendants.
I usually practice on the small stones we sell at fairs and markets... popular items with those who want an Alchemy Stone, but don't want to pay very much. We sell these for $6 each or 4 for $20. And they are just as handpainted and unique as their larger cousins.
It was nice to do something creative, finally!
Thanks for stopping by! Do leave me a comment if you feel so inspired — interaction and engagement are always welcome!
If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!
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2022.07.06 AS-TXT-106/072
That's a lot more difficult than many people realise
It does take a bit of effort, and a lot of patience, yes. And I do end up throwing some away because the holes end up being at an angle because there's something like a hard quartz inclusion inside the stone.
A true labor of love 💖 I can relate as I have recently begun drilling stones I have been collecting over the years during my adventures 😍 Your work is absoulutely beautyfull 😊 Thank you for sharing your alchemy stones with the world 🙏
Thank you for your kind words! After a while the drilling becomes a bit like a meditation.
Are you planning to make something with your stones... mobiles, windchimes, jewelry?
My pleasure 🌳 I look forward to reaching a point where it becomes like meditation 👍 Yes, jewelry and home decor 😊 Thank you for asking 🙏