Can't seem to drill a hole in copper

[Beadmamma]

Hi and thanks for helping a newbie out ... I've done some jewellery courses in the past and thought I'd remembered it all. Maybe I am using the wrong tool (dremel 3000) but I cannot successfully drill a hole in copper. I'm using drill bits that came with the dremel, I'm wondering if they are for wood only, as I seem to be able to drill the most beautiful neat holes in wood! It seems that the metal is just too tough for the bits that I'm using, and they succeed in making a large dent and that's it really. I've tried a disc cutter with the smallest size disc which was ok but heavy going, and left a jagged sharp misshapen edge. I have annealed the copper regularly in case it's got too work hardened. My guess is that the dremel bits aren't built for metal. I'm wanting to create holes of varying sizes to fit a range of stringing materials. Any thoughts?

[Goldsmith]

For drilling metals you need to use HSS drills.
Not sure what type Dremel bits are.

James

[Beadmamma]

Thank you James, I'll check this out

[Goldsmith]

Thank you James, I'll check this out

When you do use HSS drills, I use a wax candle to lubricate the drills when drilling. I use the same candle for lubricating the backs of my saw blades when piercing.

Good luck
James

[Beadmamma]

Thanks James

[angmc]

I had exactly the same problem with my Dremel 3000, just wouldn't drill a hole, all that happened was the metal would get hotter and hotter but the drill just wouldn't go through. I gave up on it in the end and bought a Foredom.