Drilling a china plate

[derrynoose]

I have a three-tier Royal Albert cup-cake stand in which the top tier has been damaged by overtightening of the central shaft. I also have a plate of the same dimensions as the damaged plate. Is it possible to drill this plate to use as a replacement? Thanks.

[scotman]

Yes, if you are careful and use the correct equipment.

[Anngel123]

Worth a try. You can drill tiles so I don't see why not plates. I would recommend you put some sellotape across where you are drilling. What have you got to lose except a plate? Good luck. Let us know if it works...

[boxtops]

You can but you need to exercise extreme care - a fine drill point, and put masking tape on the place you want to drill, to stop the point wandering. It might not work, you might end up with a shattered plate....

It might be cheaper to replace it from eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk...at=See-All-Categories

[scotman]

This is the usual type of drill to use

http://www.screwfix.c...rs-4.1/&company=ae235

[237SJ]

There was a piece in Sainsbury`s magazine about exactly that a few months ago. The compiler bought some plates from ebay and turned them into a cake stand. They used a porcelain drill bit and made a slight scratch with some sort of tool first so it could get a purchase. They put a cross of paper masking tape to mark the spot and prevent chipping. They made sure the flat side of the plate was downwards so there wouldn`t be a gap which might have made it crack.

[wildwood]

^^ Indeed, make sure there is flat solid support under the point of drilling.

Use a drill press or stand if possible so the drill bit is steady. be very careful just before 'breaking through' as that is when it is likely to crack! If using a stand/press with a lowering handle, hang a weight on it so there is a steady pressure all the time.

Don't know how the plates are attached to the stand, but use rubber/plastic washers so it doesn't have to be overtightened to become secure.

[redanvil]

Yes to your query 'derrynoose'. Buy a glass/china drill from your DIY shop,
stick a patch of masking-tape, about 1" square on both sides of your plate where you want the hole, mark the centre with a felt-tip on the front of the plate (the patch on the reverse side helps to stop flaking of the hole when the drill comes through. Put plate on a tray of damp sand or something similar to ensure a firm surface. Use a power drill at SlOW speed and gentle pressure, cool the drill bit in some water if it gets too hot. The masking tape patch will help to keep the drill steady when you start off. Have patience and good luck .