Any wisdom on drilling rock?

[zobey]

So I purchased a 1/4" masonry bit, 5/8" masonry bit, 1/2" pvc, and twist ties. I am going to get some glue and epoxy online to make sure I know its reef safe. I plan on using the 1/4" to drill pilot holes before hitting it with the 5/8" bit. The 1/2" pvc is actually cpvc. I know it is not as strong, but the sched 40 did not look like it would fit through a 5/8" drill-bit hole. My plan is to make an 18" column and a smaller 6-10" column to go next to it. I am going to put them slightly off center in my tank. The rest of the rock will be worked in and around. I am going to drill completely through the bottom rock and seal the opening of the pvc (top and bottom) with epoxy. I do not want any buildup in there. If my rocks are big enough and if it works, I may use two columns of pvc through the structure for added rigidity.

 

Does this sound feasible for a rock drilling noob? Am I missing any important steps?

 

And yes, I WILL be wearing safety goggles while I do this. Also I will be holding the rock with a towel, so I can get a good grip without cutting myself.

 

I built several columns last year when i rebuilt my setup. I used diamond coring bits that i got at lowes or home depot. they are pricier than masonry bits, but do a much much better job. i just used a rubbermaid tub to submerge the rock in and drilled away. for thicker rocks i had to break out the cores and sometimes even go from both sides, but gives a very clean hole and perfect for sliding over pvc. i suggest scrapping the idea of masonry bits altogether.

[BowieReefer84]

I built several columns last year when i rebuilt my setup. I used diamond coring bits that i got at lowes or home depot. they are pricier than masonry bits, but do a much much better job. i just used a rubbermaid tub to submerge the rock in and drilled away. for thicker rocks i had to break out the cores and sometimes even go from both sides, but gives a very clean hole and perfect for sliding over pvc. i suggest scrapping the idea of masonry bits altogether.

 

Well, I am done now. I built two small columns. The rest of the rock will just go around the columns. I drilled pilot holes, but going from 1/4" to 5/8" was still a big step. Just went SLOWWWW. I am happy with the results. I am going to fill in the voids with epoxy to hide any pvc, and texture it to look like rock. I am happy with the results. Took a lot longer than I thought it would.

[Coral Hind]

Any pictures to show off your hard work?

[BowieReefer84]

Any pictures to show off your hard work?

 

The water was really cloudy when I put them back in. I'll snap some tonight.

[BowieReefer84]

Here is a pic off my phone. It has more "depth" in person . . .The back left and right pillars are drilled, and everything in front is just piled in for now.

 

[scott711]

looks great