Drilling Terra Cotta
- Greynomad
- Posts: 8034
- Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 4:16 pm
- Location: Rutherglen, Vic.
Drilling Terra Cotta
Calling all handymen!
We have two terra cotta wine-coolers, which SWMBO now wants to use as pots for plants.
Thusly, she has requested that I drill drainage holes in their bases.
Any hints?
I don't want to shatter or damage them in the process, so I assume the hammer-drill is out.
Would it be advisable to use masking tape both sides to avoid break-out & chipping... I'd like to be able to show her neat holes.
What size drill would be advisable for the finished product? (The coolers are about 10cm [4"] diameter.)
Several small holes around the rim, or one large central one?
Pilot holes before reaming out?
Now, don't all rush me with conflicting advice... I'm easily confused.
We have two terra cotta wine-coolers, which SWMBO now wants to use as pots for plants.
Thusly, she has requested that I drill drainage holes in their bases.
Any hints?
I don't want to shatter or damage them in the process, so I assume the hammer-drill is out.
Would it be advisable to use masking tape both sides to avoid break-out & chipping... I'd like to be able to show her neat holes.
What size drill would be advisable for the finished product? (The coolers are about 10cm [4"] diameter.)
Several small holes around the rim, or one large central one?
Pilot holes before reaming out?
Now, don't all rush me with conflicting advice... I'm easily confused.
Regards & God bless,
Ray
--
"Insufficient data for a meaningful answer."
Isaac Asimov, "The Last Question"
"I refuse to drink water, because of the disgusting things fish do in it"
W.C.Fields
Ray
--
"Insufficient data for a meaningful answer."
Isaac Asimov, "The Last Question"
"I refuse to drink water, because of the disgusting things fish do in it"
W.C.Fields
- BruceS
- Site Admin
- Posts: 8891
- Joined: Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:32 pm
- Location: Mannum, SA, 5238
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
Diamond hole saw.
Only way to go! Just don't tell SWMBO they are diamonds!!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10-Pcs-6mm-D ... 3cf74a4209
You local builder/tiler/plumber will probably knock a hole in 'em for a beer!
Only way to go! Just don't tell SWMBO they are diamonds!!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10-Pcs-6mm-D ... 3cf74a4209
You local builder/tiler/plumber will probably knock a hole in 'em for a beer!
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BruceS
Mannum, SA
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BruceS
Mannum, SA
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- SteveW
- Posts: 2343
- Joined: Sun Dec 09, 2012 9:03 pm
- Location: Glenelg, South Australia
- Contact:
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
I would go with the tile drilling bit - a flat bladed thing available at most hardware stores.
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Steve Williams
http://stevew1945blog.com/
Every absurdity has a champion to defend it.
Oliver Goldsmith. 1728 -1774
http://stevew1945blog.com/
Every absurdity has a champion to defend it.
Oliver Goldsmith. 1728 -1774
- Wilbor
- Posts: 795
- Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2012 1:58 pm
- Location: Ingham NQ
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
7mm Remington Magnum will do it, actually both at the same time, just line them up
Rob
Swagman
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Why I Like Being On Road - Too
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- supersparky
- Posts: 7309
- Joined: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:00 pm
- Location: Home on the beautiful Gold Coast for a while.
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
I like Wilbors idea but it will make a bit of noise.
The diamond holesaw is the go. The next time you are in Bunnings in Wangaratta, or ???? go to the tile section, ask for a holesaw that is suitable for tap holes in tiles. It will cut about a 25mm dia hole with no problems. Just put one hole in the middle.
The diamond holesaw is the go. The next time you are in Bunnings in Wangaratta, or ???? go to the tile section, ask for a holesaw that is suitable for tap holes in tiles. It will cut about a 25mm dia hole with no problems. Just put one hole in the middle.
Cheers
David
David and Terrie with Bandit the travelling companion
2006 Winnebago Alpine
Recently retired and loving it.
David
David and Terrie with Bandit the travelling companion
2006 Winnebago Alpine
Recently retired and loving it.
- Dot
- Posts: 23560
- Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:12 pm
- Location: Strathalbyn SA
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
I actually did a hole in a terra cotta pot and I used someones cordless drill and went very slowly but I have not said who's drill it was
Queen of the Banal & OT chatter and proud of it. If it offends you then tough titty titty bang bang.
- Greynomad
- Posts: 8034
- Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 4:16 pm
- Location: Rutherglen, Vic.
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
Dottie,
I didn't notice my drill go missing!
An' ya musta snuck in at night, when the hounds were asleep... (great guard dogs! )
And thanks all for the hints.
I shall ply the proprietor of our local Mitre 9 -1/2 (it's a small store ) with beverages before asking a favour!
I didn't notice my drill go missing!
An' ya musta snuck in at night, when the hounds were asleep... (great guard dogs! )
And thanks all for the hints.
I shall ply the proprietor of our local Mitre 9 -1/2 (it's a small store ) with beverages before asking a favour!
Regards & God bless,
Ray
--
"Insufficient data for a meaningful answer."
Isaac Asimov, "The Last Question"
"I refuse to drink water, because of the disgusting things fish do in it"
W.C.Fields
Ray
--
"Insufficient data for a meaningful answer."
Isaac Asimov, "The Last Question"
"I refuse to drink water, because of the disgusting things fish do in it"
W.C.Fields
- BruceS
- Site Admin
- Posts: 8891
- Joined: Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:32 pm
- Location: Mannum, SA, 5238
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
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BruceS
Mannum, SA
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BruceS
Mannum, SA
********************
- Greynomad
- Posts: 8034
- Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 4:16 pm
- Location: Rutherglen, Vic.
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
SUCCESS!!
Slowly, slowly, with a 12mm Tungsten Carbide-tipped drill and the cordless drill at low speed (thanks for that tip).
About 5 minutes for each of the terra-cotta wine-coolers (ex-!).
The old Bendigo Pottery bread crock (on left) was a tough one! The base was almost 3/4 inch thick! Took over 30 minutes to cut through! Fortunately the drill has LiFePo batteries... the one I used just lasted the job.
Thanks all for your hints & tips.
Slowly, slowly, with a 12mm Tungsten Carbide-tipped drill and the cordless drill at low speed (thanks for that tip).
About 5 minutes for each of the terra-cotta wine-coolers (ex-!).
The old Bendigo Pottery bread crock (on left) was a tough one! The base was almost 3/4 inch thick! Took over 30 minutes to cut through! Fortunately the drill has LiFePo batteries... the one I used just lasted the job.
Thanks all for your hints & tips.
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Regards & God bless,
Ray
--
"Insufficient data for a meaningful answer."
Isaac Asimov, "The Last Question"
"I refuse to drink water, because of the disgusting things fish do in it"
W.C.Fields
Ray
--
"Insufficient data for a meaningful answer."
Isaac Asimov, "The Last Question"
"I refuse to drink water, because of the disgusting things fish do in it"
W.C.Fields
- BruceS
- Site Admin
- Posts: 8891
- Joined: Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:32 pm
- Location: Mannum, SA, 5238
Re: Drilling Terra Cotta
Ray I had to download your photo, open it in Irfan View or Paint Shop Pro and rotate it & resave it. Then upload it again.
Must be something to do with your smart phone or iPad remembering which way is up? lol
Must be something to do with your smart phone or iPad remembering which way is up? lol
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BruceS
Mannum, SA
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BruceS
Mannum, SA
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