The extreme Guide To Drilling ceramics Tile
The facility of pottery tile is becoming an increasingly quarterly task for the modern day tiler. Customers desire the look of natural stone, but wish the extra endurance that pottery tiles offer. With pottery tiles being non-porous (impervious to water) and virtually maintenance free, they are the perfect solution for the progressively popular wet-room styled bathrooms.
The extreme Guide To Drilling ceramics Tile
With pottery being one of the most popular choices of tile material available, and with the trend for pottery tile set to continue, tilers have had to adapt their working methods and tools to be able to cater for the demands of their clients. Until recently, a large number of tile fixers have shied away from the facility and drilling of pottery tiles due its perceived difficulty.
However, drilling holes in pottery tile is not difficult! Using the correct methods and the best tools for the job, it is potential to achieve perfect cuts in a matter of seconds.
Recommended tool for Drilling pottery Tile
High ability diamond core drill bits
Carbide pilot drill bit - only required if you're drilling large diameter holes (13mm or larger) and don't have a suitable-sized (8mm) diamond drill bit
Masonry drill bits - included with ability tile drill bits
Water cooling tool
galvanic drill Clear safety glasses / goggles
Rcd breaker
Identifying the Size of Hole to be Drilled
The first step is to correctly identify the size of hole to be drilled. This is very important, as the diameter of the hole to be cut dictates the recipe that you will use to drill into the tile.
The majority of holes that are 10mm and under in diameter will be drilled with the tile already fixed to the wall. Conversely, the majority of holes over 10mm in diameter will be drilled into the tile before the tile has been fixed.
When drilling holes that are 13mm or larger in diameter, make sure that the tile to be drilled is settled in a tray that will regain the waste water that is produced. Ensure that scrap tiles or other similar material is settled under the tile that is being drilled. This will help to halt the enlarge of the drill once it has concluded drilling through the tile.
Before drilling tile, ensure that you are wearing the correct safety equipment, along with safety glasses or goggles. Ensure that you are using a residual current expedient (Rcd) to help forestall galvanic shock.
Drilling Small Diameter Holes (10mm or Smaller) with diamond Cores
1. Mark the center of the hole to be drilled into the tile by using a ticket or a sticky drive pad.
2. Attach the proper diamond core bit to the galvanic drill and ensure that there is a constant supply of cold water that is being directly aimed at the diamond core i.e. By using water cooling equipment.
Note about water cooling... It is prominent to ensure that there is a constant supply of cold water directed at the drill bit in order to keep the diamond core cool and to help take off any debris that may have built up whilst drilling the tile. It is not advisable to try and cool the diamond drill bit by using a hand held aspirator or drilling through a wet sponge. These methods will not keep the drill bits cool enough, and will drastically shorten the life of the drill bit.
3. Ensure that the drill is in "normal" mode and set the drill to in the middle of 1000 and 1500 rpm. If you have marked the tile with a ticket it is best to drill into the tile using a recipe called "leaning in". "Leaning in" ensures that the drill will not slip and wander off center as you begin to drill into the tile.
How to "lean in"... To "lean in", plainly start the drill at an angle, as soon as the drill bit has started to cut the tile, gently bring the drill into a vertical position. Ensure that sufficient pressure is being applied (tile dust should be clear in cooling water) and rotate gently until you have cut the perfect hole. As you conclude the hole, you will consideration that the tone of the drill will change.
Using sticky drive pads... If you use a sticky drive pad, it is unnecessary to use the "leaning in" method. plainly start the drill in a vertical position and the sticky pad will ensure that the drill does not slip. Once you have concluded drilling the tile, plainly peel off the sticky drive pad.
4. Because the majority of small diameter holes will be cut into tiles already fixed to the wall, it will be indispensable to drill a fixing hole behind the tile. Replace the diamond core with the appropriately sized masonry drill bit and set the drill to "hammer" mode. Use a slow speed for drilling into hard materials to ensure that the tip doesn't overheat. Ensure that the drill bit is frequently withdrawn in order to stop a build up of dust.
Drilling Small Diameter Holes (10mm or Smaller) with Carbide Bits
1. Firstly, mark where the hole will be drilled, on the tile, using a marker.
2. Attach a carbide drill bit to your drill. Ensure that there is a constant supply of cold water that is being directly aimed at the superior drill bit i.e. By using water cooling equipment.
Note about water cooling... It is prominent to ensure that there is a constant supply of cold water, in order to keep the drill bit cool and to help take off any debris that may have built up whilst drilling the tile. It is not advisable to try and cool the drill bit by using an aspirator or drilling through a wet sponge, these methods will not keep the drill bit cool enough, and the drill bit will burn out.
3. Set the galvanic drill to in the middle of 700 and 900 rpm. Make sure that the drill is in "normal" mode.
4.Push the carbide drill bit gently into where you have marked the tile until you hear a cracking sound. Start drilling from a vertical position with sufficient pressure and don't stop until you hear a change in the tone of the drill. As soon as you hear the change in the tone, begin to ease off.
5. Because the majority of small diameter holes will be cut into tiles already fixed to the wall, it will be indispensable to drill a fixing hole behind the tile. Replace the carbide drill bit with the appropriately sized masonry drill bit and set the drill to "hammer" mode. Use a slow speed for drilling into hard materials to ensure that the tip doesn't overheat. Ensure that the drill bit is frequently withdrawn in order to stop a build up of dust.
Drilling Large Diameter Holes (13mm or Larger)
1. In order to cut holes that are 13mm or larger in diameter, it is indispensable to first drill a pilot hole. The pilot hole will act as a locater for a large diamond core and will help you to drill a perfect hole in pottery tile.
2. Attach an 8mm carbide drill bit or 8mm diamond bit to your drill. Follow the instructions given above for either "Drilling Small Diameter Holes (10mm or Smaller) with diamond Cores" or "Drilling Small Diameter Holes (10mm or Smaller) with Carbide Bits", depending on either you are using diamond cores or carbide drill bits. Leave out the final step in either case as you won't be drilling a fixing hole behind the tile.
3. Now that the pilot hole has been cut, it is potential to drill the main (large) hole. Attach the proper diamond core and ensure that there is a constant supply of cold water (see water cooling data in the former sections of this article).
4. diamond cores that are larger than 13mm will wish an adapter with pilot pin that locates into the pilot hole that has been cut previously, to ensure the perfect hole will be made.
5. Beginning the drill vertically, begin to drill in a circular appeal with sufficient pressure until the tone of the drill changes. Drilling holes into pottery tile should take seconds not minutes. If it is taking you minutes, it is likely that you are not applying sufficient pressure or that you are using an incorrect setting on the power tool. See video below.
Best Tools for the Job
In order to drill perfect holes in pottery tile, it is highly prominent to use superior ability drill bits.
Armeg have been producing innovative, high ability drilling solutions for over 30 years and Armeg's Ptc (Porcelain Tile Cutter) range is at the forefront of tile drilling technology.
The Armeg Ptc diamond drill bit range boasts diamond core drill bits that are capable of cutting hundreds of holes in all grades of porcelain. They highlight thin wall, continuous diamond crowns for and fast and productive cutting and an extended life. These diamond cores are not to be confused with short-life diamond grit alternatives. Not only do these diamond drill bits cut porcelain, they also cut materials such as marble, granite, travertine, slate, quarry tiles, ceramic tiles, natural stone and limestone.
The Armeg Ptc Carbide drill bit range comprises of perfect pottery tile drill bits that are capable of cutting 15-25 holes in grade 5 porcelain, or 50+ in lesser grades of porcelain. These carbide drill bits boast non-slip start-up thanks to diamond-ground tip geometry.
The Armeg Ptc Soft Tile drill bit range is ideal for drilling softer tiles such as pottery and travertine. They highlight point-ground tips to help reduce slippage and wander.
Armeg Tile Drilling Accessories for use with Armeg Ptc drill bits include: water feed pump kit, water feed adapters, water feed clamp & drive/piloting guides to ensure non-slip start-up with small diameter diamond cores. Armeg Sds Plus tile removing chisel also available in this range.
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