Comments on: How to Drill a Plate for Garden Art https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art Creating imaginative & inviting places Fri, 06 Sep 2024 16:12:23 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 By: Kris Spencer https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-45030 Fri, 06 Sep 2024 16:12:23 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-45030 In reply to Athena Peterson.

I have run into this problem a few times. It all depends on how a plate is made. Some have a shallow rim that doesn’t clear the screw head. Some plates are completely flat on the bottom. So here’s the solution. When this happens, I just drill the second plate as well and insert a longer screw/bolt. OR use a spacer in between.
The perfect spacer plate is a smaller, shallow plate turned upside-down so the rise in the plate covers over the screw head. Then I use silicone to affix the next plate or dish to the spacer. Make sure the spacer plate is smaller in diameter so as not to really show and minimize the degree of space in between. Sometimes this technique presents a kind of 3-D effect to the art piece. It helps if the spacer plate doesn’t detract from your colors. Sometimes a clear plate accomplishes this beautifully. I always keep an eye out for good spacer plates when I’m out shopping for dishes.

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By: Athena Peterson https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-44935 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:30:57 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-44935 I had already prepared 6 flowers plates. Something to watch out for on future projects.]]> Thank you so much for this info. I was able to drill through plate just fine. But sadly, there was not enough clearance for screw head to glue the 2nd plate. 😪 I had already prepared 6 flowers plates. Something to watch out for on future projects.

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By: Kris Spencer https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-42571 Thu, 02 May 2024 15:12:32 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-42571 In reply to Sheree Kinghorn.

Go with a 20. It’ll get the job done faster. I personally use a 12v only b/c it was lighter weight and fit my small hand comfortably. I use my drill a lot, so comfortable fit was important to me. But it does take longer to drill my holes. A 20v will cost more than a 12v, but you’ll appreciate the voltage for other uses, as well. Have fun with your project, I’m always available to answer any further questions!

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By: Sheree Kinghorn https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-42517 Wed, 01 May 2024 13:24:34 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-42517 What voltage do you recommend for the cordless drill? 12 or 20? I am gathering the tools & supplies that I need to start making the dish flowers. I have to purchase the drill, so want to make sure I get the best one for the job.

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By: Kris Spencer https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-40172 Tue, 05 Dec 2023 03:03:30 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-40172 In reply to Joyce Stone.

Thanks for your feedback. I try to write the best, most helpful articles, so it’s nice to know I’m hitting the target! Congrats on drilling! I’d be more concerned with harsh weather, a rock flying from a snow blower, or getting hit by a plow truck etc. Yes, you certainly can seal around the joints where dishes come together. You can even apply a thin layer around the inside of the hole using a toothpick. I typically recommend bringing the flower heads indoors over the winter (they detach from the post so the post can be left in place). However, I did experiment and leave some plates out during our cold, snowy winter in AK. They were ceramic plates and didn’t break. That’s not to say they can’t break! Most regular dinner plates are sealed; they can take the microwave or oven or freezer (as can most glass). I just haven’t left my stuff outdoors enough in winter to be able to advise. What I would do is two test pieces. One with the silicone and one without and see what happens. I did leave a teacup garden stake out one winter. The cup filled with rain water and froze. With a few freeze/thaw cycles, the ice eventually cracked the tea cup…but I will say it lasted a long time until that happened.

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By: Joyce Stone https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-40163 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:45:40 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-40163 I am so thrilled in reading your articles. I have made many of these for Christmas. I have drilled through all three plates, and also intend upon sealing them with GE silicone. We live near Carson City NV so we have some harsh winters and hot summers. My question is if the plates are sealed with the silicone, can they be left left out year-round or do they have to be brought in during winter so that the rain and snow don’t crack the dishes when we hit below freezing? I thought perhaps if there was too much moisture that accumulated between the plates, it might force them to crack. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you I appreciate your guidance.

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By: Kris Spencer https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-38637 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:26:02 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-38637 In reply to Willi.

Some plates cannot be drilled b/c they cannot withstand the pressure. So a more delicate or ornate plate—one with thinner glass will break. ‘Correlle’ is a brand that cannot be drilled. I had to learn this myself! So only drill a thicker, heavier glass or ceramic plate. But you could use the more ornate plate as the middle plate in a dish flower which I glue. (I only drill the rear plate) Also…if you are just learning to drill, get yourself a few “practice” plates…ordinary ceramic plates to experiment with until you get the hang of it.

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By: Willi https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-38618 Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:31:39 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-38618 You mentioned the importance of drilling in water to prevent the plate from shattering due to the heat generated by friction. Are there any other precautions or techniques you’d recommend for beginners to ensure a smooth drilling process, especially when working with more delicate or ornate plates?

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By: Kris Spencer https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-30432 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 01:57:30 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-30432 In reply to Angel Keck.

In my research, I have not seen makers use them. The plate does not spin…it’s stationary sculpture. So, while someone could use a grommet, a hole larger than 1/4″ would probably be necessary. (I don’t know how small grommets come). In my experience, 1/4″ diameter hole is sufficient. Interesting idea, though.

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By: Angel Keck https://makeitagarden.com/how-to-drill-a-plate-for-garden-art/#comment-30384 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:09:03 +0000 https://makeitagarden.com/?p=2998#comment-30384 Really loved the article on drilling plates found it very informative. I was kind of wondering if a rubber grommet would help protect the drill hole?

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