Drilling holes is often important when making art jewelry. Holes allow the jewelry maker to add beads, make a pendant, attach ear wires and other findings to various components. Holes are also vital to many both hot and cold jewelry fabrication techniques, from riveting to soldering. You can use a drill press to make holes in nonferrous sheet metal and hammered wire, whether it be gold, silver, brass or copper.
Mark the metal. You can use a scribe, punch or automatic center punch to create this registration mark. Marking the metal prior to drilling ensures that there is no slippage -- both a safety and aesthetic concern.
2
Select the drill bit you need. The drill bit should correlate to the size hole required for the project. Bits designed especially for jewelry come in sizes ranging from 61 to 80.
3
Dip the drill bit into gem lube, wax or a similar lubricant to protect the bit before drilling.
4
Insert the drill bit you selected and coated into the chuck. Secure the bit in the drill press.
5
Place the metal on top of a wooden block that covers the drill table. Turn on the drill press. Secure the metal to be drilled so that it does not move during the drilling process. The metal can be secured by holding it firmly or by using a clamp. Lower the bit until it drills through the metal.
6
To create larger holes, replace the bit with a larger size and drill again. Repeat until the hole is a useful size for your project.
Tips & Warnings
Drill at a slow pace. Fast drilling will cause the bit to heat up and dull and/or break.
Using a vice or ring clamp will help stabilize the metal while you drill.
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