Hutch9022
Member
I searched this topic and didn't locate my answer. Do you need a masonry drill bit to drill a trustone blank?
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Drilling trustone
- Thread starter Hutch9022
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eharri446
Member
I used a regular drill bit and had no issues.
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
I use regular bits, clean out the bit/hole frequently, and cool the bit down with water if it get hot. I also make sure that the bit is very cool when exiting, or cut the blank with a bit of material extra and cut the excess off. I usually do not use a blank with extra material - I drill straight through; but I do measure carefully and know when my bit is 1/8" away from the exit length. Then I cool the bit off and go very slowly the last 1/8".
But, I have never had problems with my regular bits, properly sharpened and sized for the tube.
randyrls
Member
Michael; Just a regular twist bit is OK. Don't use brad point bits. Cut the blank so it is at least 1/4" longer than the tube(s). Mark the center. Mark the drill bit against the tube(s) with a sharpie. Drill from the center outward until you reach the proper depth. Don't let the drill bit break through the end of the blank. Now cut off the un-drilled end to exact length plus 1/32". Get a rattle spray can of white. Give the inside of the drilled blank a PSSSSHHTT from each end and let dry. Glue with your favorite glue. Knock the corners off with a disk sander. Caution! Tru-Stone blanks vary a LOT in hardness and brittleness. Some are soft, some are hard enough to laugh at HSS.
Hutch9022
Member
Dieseldoc
Member
Working with true stone develop another problem during assembly. It will crack unless you have insured the inside of the tube is very clean and smooth that takes very little pressure to install the nib. What I do is finger tight the fit and use loc tight red to hold the nib.
Probably mentioned above - I find using a center drill for all materials worth the extra effort. I also swear by this stuff. Safe for all materials and adhesives. https://www.woodworkerexpress.com/bostik-130742-glidecote-dry-spray-lubricant.html