How to make holes in quartz larger

[mhj]

I purchased these rock crystal quartz beads:

http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=2147&idproduct=19082

but I would like to make the holes larger without the use of power tools. Is it possible to do this by hand?

Thanks!

[Polly]

Hi,

Yes, you can make the bead holes larger, using a bead reamer.

The battery-operated bead reamer is the best choice if you need to do more than the occasional bead.  For most materials, we suggest that you submerge the item in a small amount of water, and work alternately from both sides of the bead.  Submerging the item in a bit of water help keep the bead cool, which prevents breaking it. Also, it prevents noxious dust from blowing around the room. (Drilling/cutting most shell, for example, creates dust that is harmful for your lungs.)

[mhj]

Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. But how big does it make the hole? The description didn't say.

Thanks!

[Polly]

The tips are tapered from approx. 0.75mm to 1.8mm. Here is a close-up of the replacement tips, which are the same size that ships with the bead reamer.

By working from both ends of the bead, you can enlarge the hole to the size you want, keeping in mind that it will be slightly smaller at the midpoint, than it will be at the outside edges of the hole.

If you need a larger bead hole, then this bead reamer set (not battery operated - this is a manual tool) can enlarge holes up to 5mm.  This link includes details about the replacement tips, which are the same size as what is included in it.

[Luann Udell]

I would like to offer a testimonial.  The battery-operated bead reamer changed my life!   

Of course, it also made me want an actual electric jeweler's drill so I could do even more!  But that's another story....   

[Polly]

A quiet, ghostly voice whispers ... "Luaaaaaaaann, we haaaave onnne in stock.  Take a loooook at the flex-shaft tools.  You knowwwwww there is a spaaaaht in your woooooorkshop that could be clearrrrrred for it."

[Todd]

lol Tempting poor Luann.

[Luann Udell]

You guys, I HAVE one already. 

My studio was so messy, I FORGOT I OWNED ONE.  I was all set to buy another one, cleaned my studio--and found it!

This is the article I wrote about it:  TREASURES FROM THE DEEP http://www.craftsreport.com/craft-matters/76-cleaningmystudio.html

[Polly]

My co-workers are now wondering why I just laughed out loud....

[Russ Nobbs]

That's a great story, Luann!!!!

As Dee & I drove to dinner tonight with Polly's youngest brother, Brandon, and his wife, Trish, I re-told your story.
It got a good laugh, all around. Thanks for sharing it here.

--Russ

[Luann Udell]

Well, I'm glad I've found a way to take my pratfalls & shortcomings and entertain you all.    

Seriously, my first editor urged me to share the funny stores I'd tell him over the phone, and I've always been glad he finally convinced me. 

Now, let me tell you about my very first trade show experience....

[Russ Nobbs]

I'm glad you can remember your first trade show experience.....

I'm not sure I can remember much of those first years.

I do remember, at the naive age of 20 or 22 booking into the Calgary Stampede & Exhibition and taking our fair stock across the border, doing the Calgary and Edmonton shows and returning to the states and getting a customs refund on the stock we brought back with us.

In hind site I was so amazed it worked as well as it did that I never tired it again!