Having the right tools for the job is important, but knowing how to use them is crucial. That applies to core drilling as much as anything else. Here are a few things to know before tackling your next (or first) core drilling project.

Watch Your Water

Many people think that wet drilling is only to keep bits from burning up or wearing out, but water also plays a big role in the drilling itself. That’s because the water combines with the cutting dust and debris to form a slurry that adds grinding efficiency. Too little and you’re just grinding the same particles over and over—drilling the dust instead of the concrete. Too much water and you wash away the dust, losing the grinding power of the slurry. For best results, use enough water to create a milky-looking slurry that’s thin enough to lubricate the bit and carry away the excess debris and keep the diamonds exposed without losing the added grit the slurry provides.

Anchor the Drill

Properly anchored drills not only cut straighter, they’re safer, too. For downward drilling on a smooth surface, a vacuum base is a good anchor. Drilling into a wall takes a drill stand, and a ceiling jack keeps drilling straight and safe. Don’t rely on a vacuum to hold a drill in place on a wall or ceiling. The risk of the vacuum failing is too dangerous. And don’t stand on a rig to keep it in place. It’s not only dangerous, but will cause the bit to bind up.

Watch Your Speed

Diamond cutting bits are designed for optimal performance at specific speeds. Every bit manufacturer has recommended drilling speeds for their products. Read the drill speed recommendations and follow them. Too slow and you lose cutting efficiency. Too fast and you can glaze the diamond points, dulling the bit. Some drill motors have multiple speed settings that allow for different bit sizes. Others run at a constant speed. Pick the one that’s right for your needs.

Use the Proper Power

This applies to both the drill motor and the external force applied to it. In order to cut at the optimal rate, the drill bit needs to turn at a certain speed. Match the drill power to the task at hand. The drill can overheat from both too much and too little amperage, so an electric drill with an amperage meter can keep you in the right range for heavy-duty jobs. Try to run the motor at its maximum rated amperage without overloading it. Watching the flow rate on hydraulic drills is important for the same reasons. And applying too much or too little pressure to the drill can affect both the cutting efficiency and the motor’s life, too.

Using the right tools and techniques ensures a safe and professional job with results you’ll be proud to show off. Whatever your concrete cutting, coring, and finishing requirements may be, equipment and tools from Ace Cutting Equipment are your choice for top-quality results.