Wet Vs Dry Drilling

[moomarine]

As the subject says! Can't find a current discussion on this so thought I'd ask. Need to buy some new drill bits and currently use wet diamond bits but am thinking of trying the dry ones. Has anyone got an opinion on which is better and why?

 

[Concrete guy]

It really depends what you're drilling. Assuming this is for porcelain then there is very little to beat the electroplated holesaws and a sponge on a cost per hole basis as they are disposable.

Some of the more expensive water fed systems (like Marcrsits for example) are ideal if you've got hundreds of holes to drill regularly, but can be a bit overkill for the average tiler.

On the occasions when you need to drill dry then there's always a compromise between cost of bit and number of holes it will produce. As a rule of thumb drilling dry is always going to shorten the life of any bit.

Vacuum Brazed Diamond bits designed for drilling marble also work in Porcelain to a reasonable degree. The smaller ones have wax filled centres to disperse heat.

 

[moomarine]

Thanks for response, I get my grinder blades from you so will have a look at your drill bits as well.

 

[Rich Midge]

I tend to put the cost of holesaws into my estimates for bathrooms. I just use whatever the tile shops have in stock at the time but always use a wet sponge. I keep a set of the wax filled bits for wall plug sizes and find them excellent.

 

[J Sid]

did wet for years with no problem, then I tried a dry bit for the grinder and now do all dry.
as for cost per hole I have no idea but find the grinder a lot quicker.

 

[Rich Midge]

did wet for years with no problem, then I tried a dry bit for the grinder and now do all dry.
as for cost per hole I have no idea but find the grinder a lot quicker.

See alot if guys on here using the grinder for holes, something I'm yet to try.

 

[moomarine]

That's currently what I do, just buy from shop when needed and have always been too lazy to get a hand full of them online cheaper.

 

[moomarine]

did wet for years with no problem, then I tried a dry bit for the grinder and now do all dry.
as for cost per hole I have no idea but find the grinder a lot quicker.

I would have to dig out the wired grinder as my 18v Dewalt grinder is only 7000rpm which is too slow I believe for dry hole saws.

 

[J Sid]

don't even own a cordless grinder, can't beat a bit of 240v

 

[moomarine]

I love my cordless! Not had it too long but it's used every day and Dewalt do a massive battery which lasts ages.