I tried searching for existing threads on this subject but I wasn't able to find anything. If there already is something out there, just point me to and thanks in advance!

But, here we go:

I have a 22" A Custom Ping Ride, and to my horrific surprise, I noticed last night it might be cracking. I was able to run my finger nail against the grain/grooves of the cymbal and it did catch on the spot I thought it looked like it was cracking. It's a crack along the grain/grooves of the cymbal about 3/4 to an 1 inch long. Do I drill NOW or wait until it affects the tone of the cymbal? That's another thing, I haven't noticed a difference quite yet in the tone of the cymbal I'm still getting a beautiful strong sound out of it...so I was thinking I should do it now before it becomes and issue.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!








_________________
Ad Astra Per Aspera

Anybody?








_________________
Ad Astra Per Aspera

uhmm, i really wouldnt be too sure. i would say do it now before it spreads, but never been in that position.








_________________
PDP, Tama, and Pearl Drums
DW, Pearl, and Gibraltar Hardware
Sabian, Zildjian, and Saluda Cymbals

www.myspace.com/EOTEband

I'm not an expert on drilling cymbals but if it were me I would go ahead before it progresses any further. Good luck. P.O.Y!








_________________
It's so important to make best friends in life!

Tama and Medicine Man Drums, Zildjian, Remo, Roc-n-Soc, DW and Pro-mark.



www.myspace.com/thestarseedproject

be careful! you can't drill real aggressively because you'll heat up the metal and ruin the cymbal.

I've never drilled any of my own cymbals, but I have done it a couple times for other people.








_________________

www.myspace.com/alanselectronicmuse

unfortunately, I've never had good results after drilling a hole in a crack. I work in the metal trades, and have been using tools forever. A crack=the end.








_________________
I PROUDLY ENDORSE MEDICINE MAN DRUMS AND SALUDA CYMBALS, and Bud light.



www.drumroadtrip.com
www.myspace.com/newconceptpercussion
www.myspace.com/bngrzn

I find that using a little drill bit to make the hole first is better. Than keep going up in sizes but not too big.

Or you can just cut out that chunk of the cymbal. I see a lot like this that people use.

billywilly92 wrote:

I find that using a little drill bit to make the hole first is better. Than keep going up in sizes but not too big.

Or you can just cut out that chunk of the cymbal. I see a lot like this that people use.

Yeah, I still use a couple of ol favorites that are missing a chunk or two.








_________________
I PROUDLY ENDORSE MEDICINE MAN DRUMS AND SALUDA CYMBALS, and Bud light.



www.drumroadtrip.com
www.myspace.com/newconceptpercussion
www.myspace.com/bngrzn

Alan_ wrote:

be careful! you can't drill real aggressively because you'll heat up the metal and ruin the cymbal.

I've never drilled any of my own cymbals, but I have done it a couple times for other people.

what does heating it up do?

does it make it brittle?








_________________
Drumming is my passion.
Recording is a habit.

Yes








_________________
I PROUDLY ENDORSE MEDICINE MAN DRUMS AND SALUDA CYMBALS, and Bud light.



www.drumroadtrip.com
www.myspace.com/newconceptpercussion
www.myspace.com/bngrzn

I'v drilled a bunch of my broken cymbals. If you do it right it'll stop the crack.








_________________

How far into the cymbal is the crack?








_________________
Random Hand
Me!!



Mapex Drums
DW8000 Pedals
Sabian Cymbals
Vater Sticks

randomdrum wrote:

How far into the cymbal is the crack?

About 2 inches from the outside. It's only about a half inch long, but it's not enough to affect the tone yet. I've drilled MANY cymbals with a great of success, but they've usually been bigger and more apparent cracks than this one. Thus why I was asking if there was a point in which it might be too soon. But I learned from a guy that worked a drum shop that is no longer around, how to properly drill a cymbal and still get good tone and quality from the cymbal for at least a year.

But thanks for all the heads ups and suggestions guys!








_________________
Ad Astra Per Aspera

Ericinho6 wrote:

randomdrum wrote:

How far into the cymbal is the crack?

About 2 inches from the outside. It's only about a half inch long, but it's not enough to affect the tone yet. I've drilled MANY cymbals with a great of success, but they've usually been bigger and more apparent cracks than this one. Thus why I was asking if there was a point in which it might be too soon. But I learned from a guy that worked a drum shop that is no longer around, how to properly drill a cymbal and still get good tone and quality from the cymbal for at least a year.

But thanks for all the heads ups and suggestions guys!

i got a second hand pair of high hats with a crack in the top hat, its pretty substantial but i got them out of necessity after i had my old hi hats lent out from under me, long story. anyway whats the correct approach to drilling? u can link me to a previous thread if thats easier.








_________________
Zildjian, Wuhan & Istanbul cymbals
Pearl & Mirage kit.
Crappiato Snare
Steve's Back! ..............kinda

antiunderscores wrote:

Ericinho6 wrote:

randomdrum wrote:

How far into the cymbal is the crack?

About 2 inches from the outside. It's only about a half inch long, but it's not enough to affect the tone yet. I've drilled MANY cymbals with a great of success, but they've usually been bigger and more apparent cracks than this one. Thus why I was asking if there was a point in which it might be too soon. But I learned from a guy that worked a drum shop that is no longer around, how to properly drill a cymbal and still get good tone and quality from the cymbal for at least a year.

But thanks for all the heads ups and suggestions guys!

i got a second hand pair of high hats with a crack in the top hat, its pretty substantial but i got them out of necessity after i had my old hi hats lent out from under me, long story. anyway whats the correct approach to drilling? u can link me to a previous thread if thats easier.

Well this worked for ME, but may not work for everyone.

First and foremost, don't drill right on the end of the crack, because the crack WILL continue if you do so. Do your best to move out about a half inch from the end of the crack in the direction you believe it will move and drill there. Now the actually drilling process differs from person and cymbal to person and cymbal. It's a safe bet to take it slow. Just nice and easy. Use the smallest drill bit you have but one that won't break if you have a thicker cymbal you're cutting. DON'T PUSH THE DRILL INTO THE CYMBAL WHEN DRILLING. That's a horrible thing to do, as someone stated previously (sorry, I didn't name you exactly), it will cause the metal to heat up which can lead to a variety of issues. Not to mention, probably break off a smaller drill bit. Just let the natural 6.1 lbs per square inch of gravity move that drill into the cymbal. You could push just a TINY bit when drilling, but no way in hell should it be a noticeable feel to you of how much you're pushing down.

After you've made a hole, let the cymbal cool off for 15-20 minutes, then you may increase the size of the hold if you'd like, or not. It's up to you, but do NOT go anything too big. The size of the holes I drill are just big enough to fit a ball point pen's tip in but no further, if even that. And that's worked beautifully for me.

You might also ask your local drum shop for suggestions.








_________________
Ad Astra Per Aspera