Question on drilling alabaster

["Scott Engering" <Scott@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Patricia

My guess is that it is the alabaster itself. This material "is" soft and
fragile and always full of latent defects, a result of the geological and
chemical processes which have led to its formation.

The other day, I was asked to describe Centrifugal Force. I am no physicist
but my understanding is that when an object rotates, the energy from this
motion is expended along a tangent, directed away from the rotating object
in a straight line. Like any force, the faster it moves, the greater the
latent energy and the more liable it is to expose weaknesses and create
damage; in this case break open the cracks and ruin your work.

Have you tried hand drilling with a rig set up for this purpose? I have only
worked freehand with wood, using a 'brace and bit' or similar. I suspect
that if you were to align your drill rig, according to your specific
dimensions of making pens, you would be most likely to succeed with an
extremely slow, grinding technique.

If I were to place a bet, I think that I would put my money on you not to
succeed although I would love to be proved wrong!
I think that you might be better off with turning bowls.

Regards

Scott Engering

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