Piercing Burs?

[Mark Hazelden]

My dentist just gave me an air drill and I was thinking of trying some piercing. My drill takes Friction Grip burs but there are so many shapes and types available. Any advice on what burs to start with?

Thanks,

Mark

[Harvey Meyer]

I use 699L (L = long) for all piercing. I get them on eBay for about $1 each. You can buy 100 for less than $1 each, but that's a lot of burs. Once you learn how not to break them, a bur will last a very long time. My last 3 pierced hollow forms were done with the same bur.
Harvey

[Mark Hazelden]

Harvey,

Thanks for the info.

We are almost neighbors. :)

[Bob Metzger]

I am a dentist and may be able to help you. What are you planning
on cutting with it?

[Mark Hazelden]

Hi Bob,

I would be piercing patterns through a thin turned piece of wood such as a vase or hollow form. Binh Pho is a famous wood turner who using piercing to create some amazing pieces.

I don't know if certain shaped or style of burs were too aggressive for wood, too fragile, etc.

Mark

[Norm Zax]

I recommend router bits for the printed circuit board industry. Shank is 1/8, useful heads are 1.5 - 2.5 mm, either diamond cut or spiral. I also use the dentists set-up.

[Harvey Meyer]

Harvey,

Thanks for the info.

We are almost neighbors. :)

I actually know several turners in the Murphy area. I don't get up there often, but I seem to run into these guys everywhere:)

[Cathy Schaewe]

Is there something special about a dentist's drill, as opposed to other air drills? I have a regular one, I don't know how fast it goes, but I thought I'd try it for piercings.

[Mark Hazelden]

Hi Cathy,

My drill was originally set up for air pressure in, exhaust air out, and water into the head. I guess the water keeps the smoke down to a minimum when drilling into a tooth. :) Obviously I will leave the water line disconnected. The specs on mine state 450000 RPM at 35 Psi.

I will go buy some burs and give it a try.

[John Sheets]

I'd look at 557, 558, 559. They're just slightly different diameters, same basic cylindrical shape. Your DDS should be able to order some for you.