I would try a masonry bit. Why would you assume it is no good? You have not stated the diameter, that may have some bearing on the responses you get.

Martin C

Depending upon the hardness, sandstone will drill easily with a good quality masonry bit with rotary only.

For big holes I'd be tempted to try a TCT grit holesaw with a rod pilot after drilling a small through hole… **LINK**

Jon

If you are planning a decent sized centre holes then why not try a diamond coated hole saw. I drilled a 5" dia. through a reinforced concrete tank with one without any problems. I think if you try to chain drill you will break the sandstone before you get the round bit out.

A normal masonry bit will be fine. One thing about sandstone, [ probably won't apply to most on here ] It's far more abrasive to the drill bit than Granite , For example, a new Hilti bit [ for plugs and feathers ] 22mm Ø will put more holes in granite before it wears out than the equivalent bit in Sandstone. It takes longer to bore the Granite than the Sandstone, but the bit will do more holes, Due to the very abrasive nature of Sandstone. Soft compared to Granite, but very abrasive.

Another voice for a good quality masonry bit, living in the middle of a big sand pit (central Cheshire) we have lots of the stuff around and as kids we use to build all sorts out if it, we never had any mortar but we could peg it together with hand drilled holes.

One thing I would say is to use a slower speed, as others have said no hammer action, and try not to use too much pressure, this will only fine any floors in the stone, and lastly clear the whole out regularly, this helps to stop the extra pressure pushing on the sides of the hole (I’m assuming you will be drilling down into the stone)

Allan

Copper tube and carborundum grit used as a hole saw with plenty of water lubricant. That's how you drill big holes in thick glass (like telescope mirrors) so you should find sandstone somewhat easier. Small nicks in the end of the tube helps retain the grinding material.

regards Martin

I'v used tube as George described to drill holes in concrete Must have been about 40 at least, took a couple of days, it was for bolting airframe and wing jigs to the floor of our new hanger, and engine stands in the engine overhaul shop. the steel tube used was a bit of a broken tailwheel spring from a Cessna 185.

Ian S C

I put a central heating system into an old farm house circa 1640. the walls were 24" thick and I had to go through. I got a bit of steel scaffold tube and cut 'V's in the end and welded Stellite onto the tips, this was then used to hammer through the walls. Using 22mm copper pipe I was able to run a double run and be able to fix rads. across the two pipes. Customer was highly delighted with the result.

I might add that i welded plough sgares with Stellite and they are still in use!

Clive

He means he did the work about an hour ago George…