unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Apr 3, 2014 18:52:55 GMT -5
I've been doing core drilling for awhile now, and I just upgraded my drill press to a 16 speed floor model. Love It! As I try to improve my drilling operation, I'm considering adding a water swivel, the only obstacle being the $149. price tag for the BD swivel. I'm presently drilling submerged in water w/ some Lube Cool added. So, is there anybody out there who uses a swivel and wants to comment on it's use? Also, if anyone knows of another manufacturer with a less costly alternative, I would love to hear about it.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller 
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,821 
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Post by Mark K on Apr 3, 2014 20:47:56 GMT -5
I like mine.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,821
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Post by Mark K on Apr 3, 2014 20:48:13 GMT -5
I like mine.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,068
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Post by gemfeller on Apr 3, 2014 21:26:43 GMT -5
foxtail, can you explain in a little more detail how it works? I'm thinking about getting one but I'm a little unclear about how to set it up. Thanks in advance.
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Apr 3, 2014 21:44:25 GMT -5
Foxtail: Have you ever core drilled without the swivel,? If so, was there a big difference in how long it took to drill a hole, longevity of bit, or any other pros or cons?
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 3, 2014 21:52:08 GMT -5
The price relates to complexity. There is a stem that mounts to the drill press chuck. On the side of the swivel is a water fitting. Above and below the water fitting there are two sealed bearings which allows the swivel and keeps water flow going through the center of the 5/8"-11 threaded fitting that you attach to commercial core drills. Water comes out through the center of the drill. Part of BD's price is a pretty expensive submersible pump and the hose. Covington has a similar unit for $199 or $249 no pump so BD may be a bargain. You may find a Chinese knock off out there somewhere.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,821
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Post by Mark K on Apr 4, 2014 20:03:57 GMT -5
John pretty much summed it up.
I have done both and the difference was noticeable. The bits cut better and lasted longer. There is such thing as too much water though too.
I used mine in a drill press and it was a god-send. The problem was that the water was very hard to see through and the water had to be contained and sent somewhere as the drill press is about 300 pounds and inside.
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Apr 4, 2014 22:36:11 GMT -5
Thanks Foxtail, I'd love to see how you solved this- any hope of seeing a photo of your setup? I would be most grateful:)
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,821
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Post by Mark K on Apr 5, 2014 5:39:43 GMT -5
I have no photos and it is put away for the winter. Actually I have not set it up for a couple years.
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 5, 2014 11:24:35 GMT -5
unclesoska what are you core drilling? We only drill focal beads and round preforms from slabs so we drill everything underwater so far. I bought a magnetic base for the snap lock style bendable tube setup for drilling and carving but haven't set it up yet. If you are preforming for spheres or something else where you're drilling in a ways I would definitely use a water swivel but up to say an inch deep ur 2 inch diameter I wouldn't bother. The best video I found on you-tube, He wasn't clearing his cut by up and down motion but the setup looks pretty good...
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Apr 5, 2014 11:47:42 GMT -5
Thanks Rockoonz for your input and the video link. I am 1st drilling a 1" hole thru a 3/4" slab of jaspar, agate, obsidian, rhodanite, etc. Then a 1-1/2" hole to a depth of 1/2" that surrounds the 1st hole. These are for candle holders of my own design. Still figuring out a new camera, also soon to figure out a new computer, thanks to Microsoft XP, so no pics at this time. I also have some loc-line tubing, so when you get setup, please post a pic if possible. I do like your advice not to bother on the smaller holes- that pretty much answered my question. Maybe after selling a few candle holders, I'll invest in the swivel, but for now what I'm doing is actually working pretty good, just always looking to improve.
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 5, 2014 17:11:27 GMT -5
Some people catch the water under the drill press and recirculate it back to the swivel with the pump.
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jerrys
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2014
Posts: 263
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Post by jerrys on Apr 7, 2014 13:18:33 GMT -5
$150 for a water swivel is inline with the majority of manufacturers. I use one from www.ukam.com/water_swivel_adopters.html Cheaper cost relates to lower quality parts and eventually run out when trying to core. I prefer using small core bits under water to minimize the mess and setup of the water swivel. |
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 8, 2014 10:09:18 GMT -5
The BD/MK swivel only works with threaded (5/8-11) core drills so not any use for small core drills. I think 1/4" would be the smallest. Great for bigger cores for rings, bracelets or coasters.
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grafton
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2010
Posts: 4
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Post by grafton on Apr 22, 2014 18:47:38 GMT -5
I am not sure how long it will last, but I built my own for about $30. it makes a huge difference having the water come down the center of the core bits. I picked up a 3/8" bolt, drilled down the center and tapped into one side with the same size hole.threaded that into a 3/8" replacement drill chuck from homedepot. (this allows me to put any size bit in there.) made a round piece of wood with a couple of brass bushings on it and a hole for the water. this sits on shaft on top of the chuck. if I spin it too fast it does leak a bit but low speeds it works great. I have considered adding a grease to keep down the water. anyway I am quite pleased with it
Jared
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Apr 22, 2014 21:13:58 GMT -5
Hey Jared,Thanks for jumpin' in and welcome! Any chance of posting a photo of your rig? I'm really having trouble visualizing your description. How large and deep are you drilling? Are you still drilling underwater with this setup?
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