I have a 2 compartment porcelain sink. I want to add another faucet so that two people can use the sink at the same time. (I’ll put it in the upper right-hand corner, see diagram on page 54 of Issue 167.) My local hardware man says there is no safe way to drill a hole in a porcelain sink.
You folks have a broader range of knowledge. Can you tell me what tools I’ll need and how to do it.
Replies
(I'll put it in the upper right-hand corner, see diagram on page 54 of Issue 167.)
That's a single sink on page 54. Can you drill the hole on the deck? What's the material?
You can always make a hole in porcelain, a diamond hole saw would work. Or you can break the glaze carefully with a green stone on a Dremel then continue with the same stone or carbide.
The sink is cast iron with a porcelain coating. It's 20 years old and is mounted into the counter top.
I want to do the drilling in place.
This is a kitchen sink? Rim mounted or undermounted? If undermount you can look underneath and you may just get lucky that there is a hole for the soap dispensor.
I thought it was a porcelain wash basin so this one is cast iron. I'd never try drilling a hole in cast iron but I think it's doable. Why not just mount it on the deck?
Edited 11/13/2004 10:25 pm ET by TOMCHARK
"Looking underneath for an optional cutout" -- that was a clever idea. I looked and there are plugged cutouts 3" to either side of the current faucet. These are covered on top by the base plate of the existing faucet, so I'll have to find a suitable replacement with a small base plate that allows me to utilize the plugged cutouts in the cast iron sink.
Thank you.
there are plugged cutouts 3" to either side of the current faucet
So, your worst case is to have to get two single-hole faucets. You'll probably be better off with good goose necks, so that you'll have "reach." Otherwise, go with a sprayer-in-the-faucet combo.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Yu need to think about what you're dealing with ... porcelain, a fired on ceramic, over metal. So you need to drill through the porcelain with a diamond hole saw, then switch to something to drill the metal. Lee Valley sells diamond hole saws in various sizes for about $10. In case you've never used one, cutting metal with a diamond blade usually ruins the blade.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
If I cannot make TOMCHARK's solution work I will do it as you suggest.
Thank you for the detailed instructions.
Use a glass-cutting bit to get through the porcelain. Then use a regular metal cutting bit to finish the cut.
It helps me and this post also help me a lot How To Drill A Hole In A Porcelain Sink