Quote:
Originally Posted by buletbob
I have been using the glass type drill bits for drilling into ceramic tile with flawless results but how ever when I use them on porcelain tiles they burn up after one hole. and forget about the masonry bits they mushroom out after a few minutes.
My question to all those tile contractors is what do you use for drilling/ name and brand, and also what brand whole saws do you use? Thanks for your feed back BOB.  |
I use "disposable" glass bits...
charge for them in your estimate.
Make your initial penetration with the smallest diameter bit you can buy (I use 3/32") then step up through a graduated set until you reach the required diameter. A variable speed drill, "throttled" to ~300 rpm is the best bet for driving the cutter(s). Keep the cutter cool with a water/dishsoap solution pumped directly onto the cutter head with a squirt bottle; put a drop/grout sponge below to catch the run-off. Once "through" the larger cutters will widen the hole with little effort, just be cautious with the pressure on the cutterhead, until through the finish...
CHARGE FOR THIS...Upon bid submission, I sometimes get "$X.00?!?! Just to install a shower rod?!?!"...fine; go ahead and do it yourself then...
I always do plumbing/electrical penetrations with a 4 1/2" continuous rim diamond blade on my angle grinder. Cut from the backside; finish on the front; use the squirt bottle to cool the cutter. In the common situation of a single-lever mixing valve in the middle of a tile, I just cut a square (on the bias, if practical) making sure the lugs for the escutcheon screws are exposed. I've yet to encounter a situation where cutting a
perfect large diameter circle in the field was required...until such a time, the holesaws can stay on the store shelf.
We always add a premium to the install rate for porcelain; this makes up for the PITA factor of working with it...
Cheers, Ron
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