How to drill into a travertine tiled table to add an umbrella hole?

[DIYZiggy]

I've bought a Travertine outdoor table in which I need to drill a 50mm umbrella hole. The small travertine stone tiles (about 3mm thick x 25mm square) are glued onto an aluminium base. I have read that I will need a diamond hole saw to cut through the stone but will I also need to buy a separate hole saw for the aluminium?

 

[EricL]

Hello @DIYZiggy 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about drilling into your tiled table.  

You will be needing two types of hole saw's; This is because the cutting blade for the steel hole saw is different. To cut into the tile, I propose using the Kango 51mm Diamond Pro H ole Saw. Once you hit the aluminium, I suggest changing blades and using the Sutton Tools 51mm Viper Cobalt Bi-Metal Holesaw. Please remember to get the appropriate Holesaw Arbor for each blade. If you are worried about holesaw drift, I suggest cutting a timber guide first and using it on top of your table to make sure your hale stays in one place while cutting the tile and steel. 

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[DIYZiggy]

Thanks for that Eric, As this is a once only job I was hoping to keep the costs to a minimum. I have seen on You Tube the diamond and cobolt hole saws connected directly to a drill or grinder without an arbor. Is that a viable option or do you recommend not going down that path. And I will definitely be using a timber guide to stop the saw from wandering.

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @DIYZiggy 

I'm afraid the Arbor is necessary to link the hole saw to your tool. Although it might appear that they are linking the hole saw directly to the tool there is a form of adapter being used to link them together. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[DIYZiggy]

Thanks Eric. Your advice has been very helpful.