Author: John Morgan
Choice of Wood
- It must be well seasoned
- A close grained hardwood is essential
Tools
- A high-speed multi-tool such as one by Dremel, Proxxon or Axminster
- Side cutting drill bits (available from Axminster
Technique
- The area to be pierced should be about 2mm thick
- Draw your pattern on the wood
- You will not be able to stick exactly to your pattern
- If you can, do the piercing before fully hollowing out your bowl, platter or vase; it provides extra stability
- A spindle lock is essential; either a built in lock or a rod locking the index holes in the chuck
- Keep the design simple and random
- Don’t overdo the amount; it will lose its impact
- The drill bit needs to be moved up and down as it is cutting
- Don’t use force
Warning
You will find that the drill bit cuts quicker between the grain lines but takes more control and time to cut across darker grain lines.