1. What Are Diamond Core Drills?

Diamond core drills are hollow. As with all diamond drill bits you should use water as a lubricant and coolant. Being hollow, allows the water to flow up inside and around the inner core of these drill bits as you are drilling, helping to keep the drill bit cool and removing the debris. Diamond core drills are available in sizes 1mm - 3mm and 3.5mm - 60mm and larger. They also come in a range with a 2.35mm shank As the water swirls around inside the core whilst drilling, this helps prolong the life of your drill bit and helps to prevent any cracking or shattering of the material you're drilling.

2. What is the difference between sintered and electroplated or coated diamond drill bits and burrs?

A. Electroplated, or coated diamonds are bonded to the drill bit using nickel in a single layer and although won’t last as long as sintered they are a cheaper alternative. With Sintered, the diamond has been bonded to the matrix at very high temperatures and therefore has several layers of diamonds which by dressing or cleaning with an aluminium oxide stone will help maintain the life of your bur or wheel revealing a new layer of diamonds each time. Electroplated, or coated diamond drill bits as they're more commonly referred to, tell us that the diamonds are coated onto the steel shank in a single layer, therefore once this layer has worn away, the drill bit will need to be replaced. These are the most economical and popular type of drill bits. Sintered or bonded diamond drill bits and burrs have several layers of diamonds and therefore last a very long time but will also be alot more expensive than coated diamond drill bits. Sintered diamond bits require cleaning or dressing before use and after each use with an aluminium oxide stone, thus revealing a fresh layer of diamonds each time. Sintered core drills are popular with stone masons, and sintered burs with sculptors, glass engravers and stone carvers.