Question : What materials can be core drilled using the Alpha® Dry Core Bits?

Answer : The Alpha® Dry Core Bits are designed to be used on granite, engineered stone and porcelain slab materials.

Question : Can I use the Alpha® Dry Core Bits on marble?

Answer : No. Marble is too soft and the heat created from dry core drill may crack the material.

Question : Can I use the Alpha® Dry Core Bit wet?

Answer : Yes. Although these core bits are designed for dry use, wet cutting is recommended whenever possible. When core drilling within residential homes, the dry application is highly recommended; this will save time and money for time consuming clean-ups of the residence.Yes. Although these core bits are designed for dry use, wet cutting is recommended whenever possible. When core drilling within residential homes, the dry application is highly recommended; this will save time and money for time consuming clean-ups of the residence.

Question : What is the main advantage of using dry core bits over wet core bits?

Answer : Alpha® realized that many customers wanted to use wet core drills without water on the job site. When an installer has to makes an additional hole or two, they can not use water since the stone is already installed and using water will be difficult and costly due to the time consuming clean-up.

Question : What is the maximum rpm at which I can use the Alpha® Dry Core Bits?

Answer : You should not exceed 12,000rpms when using these dry core bits.

Question : What is the lowest rpm at which I can use the Alpha® Dry Core Bits?

Answer : The core bits should not be used at any speed lower than 6,000rpms.

Question : Can I use the Alpha® Dry Core Bits on my wet polisher?

Answer : No. The rpms of polishers are too low. Usually polishers run about 2,000 – 4,000rpms.

Question : What kind of template should be used?

Answer : The template can be any type of material such as granite 3/8” tile, scrap of engineered stone or granite slab (narrow stock such as 2cm) or composite material. The template should be made by the same operator to assure accuracy. Secure the template to the stone by clamping it with the polished side facing the polished work piece to avoid possible scratching. Your template should act as a guide for the bit.

Question : What stone thickness can I drill through using an Alpha® Dry Core Bit?

Answer : Alpha® Dry Core Bits are 4” in length; this would be the maximum thickness they can drill through when they are new.

Question : What is the purpose of the diamonds on the side of the core?

Answer : When you drill a hole manually, you are exposed to the risk of undercut due to the unstable drilling condition as compared to using a drill press. To avoid such wear on the steel core, we attached diamond grits on the side of core bit using Vacuum Brazed Technology. The combination of sintered segment and undercut protection will make your drilling application easier and more stable.

Question : What sizes of Dry Core Bits are available from Alpha®?

Answer : See specifications chart.