Pearl drill recommendations

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Now I just need a cheap source for "practice pearls" to test out if I've really lost my marbles.

I test drill with shell bead nuclei.

 

[JerseyPearl]

I test drill with shell bead nuclei.

Is there a particular source? This will be my first time drilling pearls, and I'd much prefer to practice on inexpensive pearls/nuclei!

 

[Purranha]

OK, so now I have officially gone off the deep end, eating my words....I bought the Japanese pearl drill recommended by Jacques in the post above. Now I just need a cheap source for "practice pearls" to test out if I've really lost my marbles. BTW, Yotsuba sells a double pearl drill, the kind that can drill both ends at one time!

Lolol JP you are too funny!

 

[Katbran]

I just got the cheap drill about 3 weeks ago ..drilled one hole so far lol. But ..I just took some of the cheap eBay stuff from many years back and practiced . JP ..I'm sure you can find some on ETSY .id be interested in the shell pearl nuclei as well for practice . I'm certainly not starting on my pointy un drilled Jac Tahitians !

 

[JerseyPearl]

Exactly my worry! I will try Dave's wonderful suggestion...now to search for a good (and inexpensive) source!

 

[JerseyPearl]

Exactly my worry! I will try Dave's wonderful suggestion...now to search for a good (and inexpensive) source!

I wasn't able to find shell nuclei on Etsy...and very few undrilled inexpensive freshies to practice on...but I did get lost in looking at jade bangles...the hazards of Etsy browsing.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Is $1/pearl cheap enough? They look decent enough to be used for something afterwards.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/250765910/95-105mmx10-12mmaaahigh-lusterbig-rice?ref=shop_home_listings

Or $0.65/pearl:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/207097040/50-off7-8mm-rice-pearl-pairswhite?ref=shop_home_listings

$6 per 40:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/257664227/105-115mmx12-15mmapink-lavender-rice?ref=shop_home_listings

 

[JerseyPearl]

Thank you lady d!!!!

I did pick up a few pearls to practice with...If I don't destroy them, I'll use them to make some cute summer necklaces for my daughters.

 

[enbcfsobe]

Also I bet if you asked Wen she would get you the nuclei. Thanks to all for sharing their drilling experiences. Not sure I can justify one for home, but good to know what works & what doesn't!

 

[JerseyPearl]

enbcfsobe, I can justify any purchase...whether or not that justification makes any sense is the hurdle.

 

[pattye]

enbcfsobe, I can justify any purchase...whether or not that justification makes any sense is the hurdle.

JP, When it comes to pearly stuff, we are all pretty good at this, lol!

 

[JerseyPearl]

Pearly minds think alike!

 

[enbcfsobe]

lol. the pearls and thread are one thing as they don't take up much space. equipment is harder as we live in a small city house and space is at a premium. plus i already have a tumbler that's collecting rather a lot of dust. anyone want to trade a tumbler for a drill?

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I've used my tumbler to make single servings of frozen yogurt, in case you would like to repurpose it.

 

[Purranha]

JP - if you are still practicing in July, let me know if you want me to bring back a bag of Mikeyy's nuclei for you?

 

[JerseyPearl]

Thanks for that offer Purr...I hope to be an expert by then!

 

[Purranha]

OK, I'll bring other goodies back for you then!

 

[scorpion0151]

hi all, I'm new to pearls but was wanting to see if I could drill them myself. I'll only be doing holes half way through to start with. My question is what type of bits do you use to drill pearls? I've seen spiral drill bits, triangle shaped bits and grinding bits.

 

[Katbran]

Either pearl bits , sort of chisel shaped or regular drill bits or you can get some expensive bits...they all work well.. especially if you are not drilling a lot of pearls. Look on ETSY for Pearl drill bits.

 

[scorpion0151]

Thanks, these are the type I was going to try but want too sure if they'd crack or chip the acre. I've read normal drill bits can crack pearls.