Drill hole in Enamel Coin?

[+FourGremlins]

I want to release a GeoCoin that is enamel and metal. Is it okay to drill a hole in it or will the enamel crack or splinter? I just want to deface the coin a tad, but not ruin it completely. Has anyone drilled an enamel coin before? Any hints/tips?

 

Thanks

 

Happy Holidays!

[+Dr. Whoever]

I drill them often. No Problem as long as your bit is sharp

[+FluteFace]

I have not drilled a huge number of coins, but if you have a coin that has enamel on one side but not the other, start on the enamel side. I drilled a coin like it and started on the non-enamel side. The enamal where the drill came out chipped and cracked a bit, but then I'm a beginner where the drill press is concerned. I painted the spot with clear fingernail polish in the hopes of containing the damage to that spot, and then sent the coin on its way. Generally, I try to avoid drilling where there is enamel, but sometimes it can't be helped.

[+FourGremlins]

Thanks for all of your help! You're great!

 

Bushwacker found a nice sharp drill bit and did the deed. I put some clear nail polish on it where just a tiny bit of enamel flaked off. (It has enamel on both sides - yikes!)

 

I'll post a new "final and ready for release" photo on the page in the next few days. (It will be easy to find via my profile. I don't have many trackables yet)

 

Have a warm and peaceful holiday!

[+sayter liften]

Thanks for all of your help! You're great!

 

Bushwacker found a nice sharp drill bit and did the deed. I put some clear nail polish on it where just a tiny bit of enamel flaked off. (It has enamel on both sides - yikes!)

 

I'll post a new "final and ready for release" photo on the page in the next few days. (It will be easy to find via my profile. I don't have many trackables yet)

 

Have a warm and peaceful holiday!

just wrap it in some masking tape, pros do this when painting on metal surfaces and have to drill thru the metal, prevents chiping.

[+Degai]

I just did this recently on a "loved this cache" pair of lips and it worked out fine. I did put painters tape on top, then drilled the hole. It took a while, put it turned out beautifully. I hope this helps.

[+Trucker Lee]

If it is a thick coating, or any surface that would crack due to heat build-up while drilling, be sure the bit is sharp and trickle water over it while drilling.

 

As mentioned, taping the surface will also help.

[+Koakai]

I tend to take out my diamond burrs and go through the enamel until I hit metal, or at least make a goosd seat for the drill bit. The one time I didn't do this, I managed to take a large chunk out of the enamel on one side of a coin. Whoops! Thankfully it was a design where having the hole there overshadowed any effect by the missing enamel.