What is the difference between sintered and electroplated diamond core drill bits?

Electroplated bits have a single surface diamond layer — economical for occasional glass and ceramic drilling. Sintered bits have diamonds throughout the metal matrix — fresh diamonds expose as it wears, giving much longer life for hard stone, gem materials, and production drilling.

What diameter core drill should I choose for pendant drilling?

2.0–3.0mm for standard pendant bails. 3.0–5.0mm for heavier bail hardware. 6.0–9.0mm for large pendants with thick bail wire. Always drill from both sides to meet in the middle to prevent blowout.

How do I use water cooling with core drill bits?

Use a water swivel adaptor on your drill press to feed water through the hollow core. Or build a clay dam around the drilling area and fill with water. For glass, a suction cup water reservoir works well.

What is the 0.7mm 10pcs set used for?

Ultra-fine precision drilling in delicate gemstones, thin glass, and micro-jewelry applications where standard 1.0mm bits are too large. Among the smallest diamond core drills available for lapidary and jewelry work.

Can I use core drill bits in a handheld drill?

Yes, but a drill press is strongly recommended for consistent perpendicular holes and controlled feed pressure. Handheld drilling makes consistent water cooling difficult and can cause bit wander, resulting in chipped or cracked holes.

Collection: Diamond Core Drill Bits

Diamond Core Drill Bits – Sintered & Electroplated Core Drills for Glass, Ceramic & Stone

Professional diamond core drill bits for precision drilling of glass, ceramic, stone, and gemstone materials. Available from 0.7mm through 59mm diameter — sintered diamond core drills for maximum durability on hard stone and gem materials, and electroplated core drill bit sets (10pcs) for economical glass and ceramic drilling. The hollow core design allows water cooling at the cutting zone for clean, chip-free holes. Always use with water cooling.

🔥 Shop Diamond Core Drill Bits – From $8.00

Available Sizes & Pricing

Diameter	Type	Grit	Pack	Price
0.7mm	Electroplated	—	10pcs	$35.00
1.0mm	Electroplated	800	10pcs	$8.00
1.5mm	Electroplated	800	10pcs	$8.00
2.0mm	Electroplated	800	10pcs	$8.00
2.5mm	Electroplated	800	10pcs	$10.00
3.0mm	Electroplated	400 / 800	10pcs	$12.00
3mm – 9mm	Sintered	—	Single	$8.00 – $12.00
13mm – 18mm	Sintered	—	Single	$9.50 – $12.00
30mm	Sintered	—	Single	$19.00
58mm – 59mm	Sintered	—	Single	$33.00 – $33.50

Sintered vs Electroplated Core Drills

Feature	Sintered	Electroplated
Diamond bond	Throughout metal matrix	Surface layer only
Service life	Very long — production use	Shorter — economical for light use
Best for	Hard stone, gem materials, production drilling	Glass, ceramic, occasional use
Price	Higher per bit	Lower — sold in 10pcs sets

Compatible Applications

Glass drilling — fused glass, stained glass, borosilicate, plate glass
Ceramic and porcelain tile drilling
Gemstone drilling — agate, jasper, quartz, turquoise, jade
Stone drilling — granite, marble, slate
Lapidary pendant and jewelry stone drilling
Compatible with drill presses, flex shaft machines, and rotary tools with water feed

Related Tools

Sintered Diamond Core Drills — Full range of sintered core drills for hard materials
Diamond Wire Hollow Drill Bits — Micro hollow drills (1–4mm) for bead drilling
Solid Diamond Drill Bits — Solid electroplated bits for general drilling
Sintered Diamond Burs — Sintered carving burs for stone and glass
Water Swivel Adaptors — Water feed adaptors for hollow core drilling

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between sintered and electroplated diamond core drill bits?
A: Electroplated core drills have a single layer of diamonds bonded to the surface — once that layer wears through, the bit is finished. They are economical for occasional glass and ceramic drilling. Sintered core drills have diamonds embedded throughout the entire metal matrix — as the surface wears, fresh diamonds are continuously exposed, giving much longer service life. Sintered bits are preferred for hard stone, gem materials, and production drilling.
Q: What diameter core drill should I choose for pendant drilling?
A: For standard pendant bails and jump rings, 2.0mm–3.0mm holes are most common. For heavier bail hardware, 3.0mm–5.0mm. For large statement pendants with thick bail wire, 6.0mm–9.0mm. Always drill from both sides of the stone to meet in the middle — this prevents blowout on the exit side.
Q: How do I use water cooling with core drill bits?
A: Use a water swivel adaptor mounted on your drill press to feed water through the hollow core during drilling. Alternatively, build a small clay dam around the drilling area on the stone surface and fill with water — the hollow core will draw water down through the bit. For glass drilling, a suction cup water reservoir works well.
Q: What is the 0.7mm 10pcs set used for?
A: The 0.7mm micro core drill set ($35, 10pcs) is designed for ultra-fine precision drilling in delicate gemstones, thin glass, and micro-jewelry applications where standard 1.0mm bits are too large. At 0.7mm, these are among the smallest diamond core drills available for lapidary and jewelry work.
Q: Can I use core drill bits in a handheld drill?
A: Yes, but a drill press or drill press stand is strongly recommended for consistent perpendicular holes and controlled feed pressure. Handheld drilling makes it difficult to maintain consistent water cooling and can cause the bit to wander, resulting in chipped or cracked holes. For best results, use a drill press with a water swivel adaptor.