[Fern the driller]

Fern is a professional driller. He has been working in the mining industry for the last 25 years. Fern knows the challenges of drilling – and he is willing to share his best tips and tricks. Whether you have a general question on drilling or need advice on a specific job, Fern is available to help you out. Go ahead, ask him!

E-mail address :

Question :

Please click on Submit to send your information or press Clear to start over.

Hi Fern,
I’m a driller in Val D’Or (Québec). Our company uses a lot of products and accessories from Fordia. But I’m wondering how to choose the right bit?

- Serge, driller in Val D’Or

Dear Serge,
First, scratch the rock sample with a MOH’S hardness tool (see MOH’S scale range in our Tips section).

Then, if it measures at least 6.5, is competent, coarse grained and slightly abrasive, try a Fordia Shark 6 impregnated core bit or a T XTREME 6-9 and review its performance.

Finally, if productivity is too slow – try a softer (higher matrix such as a Shark 7. If bit performance is too low, try a harder matrix such as a Shark 4 or a T XTREME 4-6.

Enjoy drilling,

- Fern the Driller