Amazing Pottery

Can someone tell me the proper drill-bit type to make a hole in pottery?

Ive been using larger masonry bits to make drainage holes in heavy ceramic pottery (which has no holes in it); sometimes I'm sitting on the drill for 5 minutes before it even makes the smallest hole. I can swear I did this a few years with much better ease - but, I have no idea what type of drill bit I used. Not trying to drill thru terra-cotta or anything like that - but, like heavy ceramic - such as what a heavy coffee mug or hefty soup bowl would be like. Thats what Im trying to plant some funky bulb plants into and I must have good drainage? Any ideas???

Public Comments

1. You can purchase a "Tile Bit" up to 1/2" from Home Depot or Lowe's.
2. At the hardware store, ask for a masonry bit to use with your Dremel-style tool or drill. Tell them what size. Bring the pottery if you can.
3. http://www.naturalhandyman.com/qa/qadrilling.shtm Above sight goes in depth on your question. You need a special ceramic tile/glass cutting drill bit which is a different shape and higher strength than carbide types. Ceramic surface is one of the toughest to drill through and you cannot use pressure. Recommends you tape the surface first and then slowly drill, removing material as you go.
4. Sure, Masonry bits are correct. I would buy 2, next time. Buy a 1/4 " masonry, and another one for the hole size you want. Purchase quality bits and drill a 1/4 ' hole 1st. Then use your larger bit, and you should go right through without any problem. I think the problem was that doing the hole with just the larger bit allowed the bit to just skid along the surface.