The best tool that I have found for making drainage holes in bonsai pots is
a diamond core drill; however, they are a bit expensive. A suitable
substitute is a small length of copper tubing. The working end must be
absolutely square with the tube (a tubing cutter will make an acceptable cut).

You really need a bench drill or drill press, but a hand drill will work if
one is very careful.

You will also need some Carborundum or some auto valve grinding compound
for the cutting abrasive. You will also need some water for cooling the
drill or copper tube (a spray bottle works well).

Apply the grinding compound to the bottom of the pot where you want to make
the hole and start the drill press with slight amount of pressure to get
the hole started. While drilling maintain a supply of water and grinding
compound at the hole area to keep the drill cool. If too much heat builds
up, the pot may crack.

Maintain a slight amount of drill pressure until the hole is through the pot.

A ceramic drill bit will work, but it will cause lots more cracking around
the hole.

Not exactly rocket science

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On 27 Nov 2004 at 19:02, sam crowell wrote:

I have had very good luck using a simple dremel tool and a variety of
abrasive tips to slowly work through the bottoms of pots and other various
containers. I have been successful with several varieties of pottery and
even glass and porcelain.


I use a simple masonry bit. I work the pot, open side down into
a bucket of sand (or a bag of Turface) until the bottom is flush
with the sand/Turface, then simply start drilling with a hand
drill into the center of the pot, or wherever I want a hole.

I find this to be an excellent way to make small pots for mame
or smaller shohin. I have drilled handle-less teacups,
porcelain bud vases, ikebana containers, wasabi bowls, rice
bowls, etc.

I think I have broken one china rice bowl.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - When we see
land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it
with love and respect - Aldo Leopold - A Sand County Almanac

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