Diamond core bits are perfect for drilling jobs into really hard materials.  This includes stone, marble, porcelain, granite and slate. As diamonds are the hardest material, it’s understandable to see why bits with diamonds the right tool for these particular types of jobs. They are not useful for all drilling jobs, though. You need to understand the types of diamond drills so that they can be matched appropriately with the task at hand.                                                                                                                           

Everything About Diamond Core Bits

Blunt nose and core are the basic styles of diamond core bits. They are used different projects. Blunt nose bits are used to drill smaller holes. Diamonds are embedded in the sides and end of the tip. They are not usually used for materials like stone or marble because they are extremely hard. Core bits, on the other hand, drill using the side of the tip. This allows for them to be used to create larger holes at a faster speed. They are useful when working with extremely hard materials like marble and stone.

How Durable are Diamond Core Bits

There are two main ways that the diamonds are bonded to the drill tip. This answers the question, ‘how durable are diamond core bits?’ These include bonded and sintered. With bonded tips, the diamonds are bonded to the tip through a process that is similar to electroplating. These are less durable and can wear out through use. The benefit is that they are less expensive. On the other hand, with a sintered tip, the diamonds are embedded into the tip. This layering of embedded diamonds means that they are particularly useful for working with very hard materials and have a longer lifespan. This makes them more expensive.

Lubricating the Tip

To keep a tip in good condition, they need to be lubricated with water or synthetic mineral oil to reduce the heat build up during use. This extends the lifespan of the drill bit. There are two ways to introduce the lubricant: the hose method and the spray bottle. The hose method is using a hose that allows water to continually run down the bit. The other method, spray bottle, is also pretty straightforward. It requires someone to spray water while the other person performs the drilling function. In most cases, this is the less effective method, though it does work. The most important thing, regardless of the type of lubrication method you choose, is that the drill tip is continually lubricated.  This keeps both the drill tip and the material you are working on from overheating.

So How Durable are Diamond Core Bits?

The answer is ‘it depends’. There are several factors that can impact the longevity of the diamond core drill bit:  material being drilled, speed of drilling and lubrication.  First, if the drill bit is being used on very hard materials, eventually the abrasive quality of the material will wear on the bit. Next, the speed and pressure used to drill hard materials will eventually affect the viability of the bit.  Experts recommend drilling at slow speeds to help the bit last longer. Lastly, ensuring that the drill bit is properly lubricated will prevent it from overheating. This also goes back to using the right drill bit for the material that you are working with. With the right drill bit, proper lubrication at the right speed, the diamond drill bit will last longer.

Another consideration that affects the lifespan of a drill bit is pressure. The pressure can be increased when working with more pliable materials. During operation, speed can be increased while experiencing less heat buildup. The inverse is true as the material is harder. Pressure and speed must be reduced, and lubrication must be increased. This helps to avoid overheating which reduces the longevity of the drill bit.

There are several factors to consider when using a diamond core drill bit. Each one can affect how long that diamond drill bit will last.  It also affects which type of diamond drill bit should be used for the work that you are undertaking. Several signs to watch for include any black, yellow or brown burn marks around the diamond drill tip. This signals that there is overheating, inaccurate speed and excess pressure. If you watch all of these important factors and consider the work that you’re doing, the diamond core drill bit will last longer. Also, watching for any signs that there are problems or overheating can prevent issues with the drill bit and the work that you are doing. Keep these things in mind and your diamond drill bit will have a long lifespan.