Mounting armature wire on stone base

[rika]

My paper maché figure is 21" tall, I want to mount is on a stone base. I have several questions:
1. Is flagstone ok for drilling?
2. Is a regular bit good for stone or a special one is required?
3. How do I secure the armature wire to the bottom?

Any help would be appreciated.

[grommet]

I'm thinking you'd be better off if you could crimp something larger around your wire right next to the bottom of the sculpture. This would minimize flex at that point, and give you a larger 'plug' that you could epoxy into a hole in the flagstone. As always, a rough surface holds better, etc. I'd epoxy all points that are hidden -- under the foot of the sculpt & such.
It just seems the stability of a larger piece at the feet for attachment is key.

[raspero]

I assume you are referring to black slate when you say flagstone. That should be good as long as you don't try to put on a lot of weight.

Drill stone with a masonry bit. There are several kinds: The ordinary variety from hardware stores usually is fine. If I am drilling in something that is irreplaceable, or expensive, I use a diamond hole saw. Whichever type you use, use plenty of water as you are drilling, and go slow; don't apply much pressure.

R

[rika]

G, sounds good, I'll try that. Thanks.

Raspero, I've never drilled a stone, so glad you mentioned water. But how do I go about it? I pour water on the stone?

[raspero]

Yes, just pour a little water on the drill bit and the hole it is making. It keeps it cooler and clears the debris from the bit. You want to keep it wet enough so that it washes out the dust from the drilling process. It is somewhat messy, but then it's only rock dust.

R

[rika]

Thanks, Raspero. I did as you said, but the hole is just on the surface, not deepening. I applied more pressure, more speed, but it's not working. The bit I have is for wood and steel. This stone can't be harder than steel, can it?
What am I doing wrong? :mad:

[raspero]

Stone is harder than steel. That's why we grind steel with stones. You must use a masonry bit, as I said earlier. They have two carbide cutters brazed on the tip. Those cutters are harder than the stone.

R

[grommet]

and if it seems like the blasted thing should be working & you're wondering why people would sell such shoddy merchandise, switch it to forward, not reverse. ( I love tiling with my sister;))

[rika]

Thanks again Raspero, being totally green, I guess I didn't pay enough attention to that very important bit of information.


and if it seems like the blasted thing should be working & you're wondering why people would sell such shoddy merchandise, switch it to forward, not reverse. ( I love tiling with my sister;))

Lol, G, too funny. You should have seen me yesterday, determined to make it work regardless. I actually managed to drill one 1" hole in about 1 hr, but broke 2 bits, hubby won't be happy about it. :rolleyes:
This morning I was still thinking about attacking the second hole, but the stone is about 2" there. Reading Raspero's answer I've given up and I'll attack the hardware store instead. Learning is fun! ;)