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wayne
 
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Default Cutting hole in INCREDIBLY HARD ceramic tile

You need a diamond or carbide hole saw

http://www.mytoolstore.com/starrett/hole004.html#grit

is the carbide grit one the diamond one is 3x the cost if you are just going
to do a few the grit one should work ok Best don on a drill press but you
could make a jig outside too. make sure you have a good drill as both bits
say they work best at HIGH speed. They don't mention but they probably work
best wet. You don't need to soak it though. If you have one of those pump
up misters it should work fine!

Wayne

"GeekBoy" wrote in message
om...
Okay, I've built several bathrooms already... I've used the cheap,
thin Home Dumpo tiles and easily cut through them with my Dremel-style
carbide bit attachment. It makes a nice hole for water pipes, etc.
Now, I have the hardest ceramic tile I've ever seen in my life. This
3/8"+ thick ceramic tile is virtually impervious to all known mortal
methods of drill bits! I can cut it with my wet saw, but no form of
bit makes even the SLIGHTEST mark in it!
You know what I have to accomplish -- I need to make a hole (2" or so)
to fit the drain piping through it... tub downspout, shower body, etc.
Unfortunately, these are 12x12 tiles where the holes are in the
center of the tile... I cannot cut two half-moon holes in two tiles
with the wet saw.
So, how to accomplish this task? ALL my carbide bits were smoked in
very short order with NO progress AT ALL. None. It smoked every bit
and you can't even notice a notch in the tile. I've purchased diamond
tipped core drill bits, but even if that works, how do I continue
making the 2" circle? I fear that a cermic bladed jigsaw will die as
well!
Can anyone recommend a bit/blade/whatever tool for cutting the
toughest ceramic tile ever known to mankind? Surely, this is done
everday by master tile workers, right?? This isn't miracle tile, by
the way... it's just good, thick, heavy ceramic tile purchased at our
local tile showroom store for floors and walls.
Thanks!