Zenesis Obsidian 1-3/8" Diamond Core Bit for Porcelain, Dekton, Quartzite, Granite & Quartz

The Zenesis Obsidian 1-3/8" Diamond Core Bit is a professional wet or dry core bit engineered to drill clean holes through some of the hardest countertop, tile, and stone materials fabricators encounter. Designed for porcelain, porcelain pavers, Dekton, quartzite, granite, engineered quartz, marble, ceramic, and natural stone, the Obsidian gives countertop fabricators and installers one extremely versatile 1-3/8" core bit for shop fabrication and field installation.

The 1-3/8" diameter is one of the most commonly used core bit sizes in countertop fabrication because it works for many faucet, plumbing fixture, dispenser, and accessory openings. Always verify the required hole diameter for the specific fixture before drilling.

What separates the Obsidian from a standard diamond hole saw is the technology built into the bit. Zenesis uses proprietary patterned diamond segments designed to maintain more consistent diamond exposure throughout the life of the tool. TST reports up to 70% longer life compared with random-pattern segments in company testing.

The Obsidian also uses drop segments for additional durability and weld protection, 20mm and 30mm depth gauge lines for quick visual reference, and brazed diamonds on both the inside and outside of the barrel. The external diamond coating helps reduce binding in the hole, while the internal coating makes it easier to remove the stone plug after drilling.

With a direct 5/8"-11 threaded connection for common angle grinders and polishers, the Zenesis Obsidian can be used wet or dry and is built for professionals who need one dependable diamond core bit capable of drilling everything from granite and engineered quartz to dense quartzite, porcelain, and Dekton.

1-3/8" Diamond Core Bit for Faucet & Fixture Holes

A 1-3/8" diamond core bit is one of the most useful sizes a countertop installer can keep in the truck. Many kitchen and bathroom faucet installations, soap dispensers, filtered-water faucets, air switches, and other countertop accessories require a hole in or near this size range.

The Zenesis Obsidian gives installers the ability to drill those openings across an unusually wide range of countertop materials without keeping a different 1-3/8" hole saw for granite, another for quartzite, another for porcelain, and another for Dekton.

If the job changes from engineered quartz in the morning to granite in the afternoon and porcelain or quartzite on the next installation, the Obsidian is designed to handle all of them.

Always check the fixture manufacturer's required cutout diameter before drilling. A 1-3/8" core bit is common for many applications, but faucet and accessory specifications vary.

Built for Quartzite – One of the Hardest Countertop Materials

Quartzite is where ordinary core bits often show their limitations. Dense natural quartzite can drill slowly, generate substantial heat, glaze weaker diamond bonds, and wear inexpensive bits quickly.

The Zenesis Obsidian was engineered for demanding materials including quartzite. Its patterned diamond technology is designed to maintain consistent diamond exposure instead of relying on randomly distributed diamonds throughout the segment.

This makes the Obsidian an excellent 1-3/8" quartzite core bit for countertop fabricators and installers who regularly drill faucet holes and fixture openings in hard natural stone.

When drilling quartzite, use controlled pressure and allow the diamonds to cut rather than forcing the grinder into the slab. When practical, water can help control heat, suppress dust, and keep the cutting surface working efficiently.

Porcelain Core Bit for Large-Format Tile & Porcelain Pavers

The Obsidian is also designed for porcelain, including porcelain tile and porcelain pavers. Dense porcelain can be extremely unforgiving during drilling because excessive pressure or heat can lead to chipping, cracking, or premature tool wear.

The Obsidian's diamond segment and brazed barrel design allow professional installers to drill clean 1-3/8" openings in porcelain while reducing the binding that can occur as the bit travels deeper into the material.

This makes it an excellent diamond core bit for large-format porcelain panels, porcelain countertops, porcelain tile, outdoor porcelain pavers, and other dense ceramic materials.

Dekton-Approved 1-3/8" Diamond Core Bit

TST specifically identifies the Zenesis Obsidian as approved for drilling Dekton. That is important because Dekton and other sintered or ultra-compact surfaces can be particularly demanding on conventional diamond drilling tools.

For countertop fabricators and installers looking for a 1-3/8" Dekton core bit, the Obsidian provides a professional wet-or-dry option with a direct 5/8"-11 grinder connection.

Use controlled drilling pressure and avoid forcing the bit through the material. On dense sintered surfaces, maintaining control is generally more important than trying to maximize drilling speed.

Granite Core Bit for Countertop Fabrication

Granite remains one of the most common materials in countertop fabrication, and the 1-3/8" size is frequently used for faucet and plumbing fixture openings.

The Zenesis Obsidian provides fast, controlled diamond drilling in granite while its exterior brazed diamond coating helps reduce friction and binding as the barrel enters the stone.

The patterned diamond segment is also designed to provide consistent performance throughout the life of the bit, making the Obsidian an excellent everyday granite core bit for both fabrication shops and installation crews.

Engineered Quartz Core Bit

The Obsidian is equally well suited for engineered quartz countertops. Fabricators can use the same 1-3/8" diamond core bit for common faucet and accessory openings in quartz surfaces without switching to a separate material-specific bit.

Its ability to drill engineered quartz, granite, quartzite, porcelain, Dekton, marble, and ceramic makes the Obsidian particularly useful for installers carrying a limited amount of tooling from job to job.

Marble & Natural Stone Core Bit

In addition to hard materials, the Zenesis Obsidian is designed for marble and other natural stone.

Marble can be softer than granite or quartzite but may also be more prone to edge damage and breakout. A controlled drilling technique and a quality diamond core bit help produce a cleaner opening around visible faucet and fixture installations.

The Obsidian can also be used on other compatible natural stone materials, making it a versatile choice for shops that process a broad mix of countertop and architectural stone.

ZENESIS Patterned Diamond Technology

Traditional diamond segments typically distribute diamond grit more randomly through the bond. Zenesis patterned technology is engineered to strategically control the placement and concentration of diamonds within the segment.

The goal is to keep an effective number of cutting diamonds exposed as the segment wears, improving consistency from the beginning of the tool's life through the remaining segment.

TST reports that the patterned diamond segments used on the Obsidian provide up to 70% longer life than random-pattern segments based on company testing.

For a professional fabricator, longer and more consistent core-bit life means fewer tool changes, less downtime, and a lower tooling cost per finished hole.

8mm Diamond Segment for Professional Tool Life

The 1-3/8" Obsidian uses an 8mm diamond segment designed for professional drilling life.

A substantial diamond segment gives fabricators more usable material before the core bit needs replacement, making the Obsidian well suited for installation crews and fabrication shops drilling countertop holes on a regular basis.

Drop Segments for Added Durability

Zenesis incorporates a drop-segment design into the Obsidian to provide additional durability and help protect the segment weld.

This is particularly important on a professional core bit because operators often work in difficult positions, drill dense materials, and occasionally introduce side pressure while starting or finishing a hole.

The added protection helps make the Obsidian better suited for demanding field and fabrication use.

Brazed Diamonds Inside & Outside the Core Bit

One of the smartest features of the Obsidian is the additional diamond coating on both the inside and outside surfaces of the barrel.

Brazed diamonds on the outside help reduce friction and binding between the core-bit barrel and the wall of the drilled hole. This becomes increasingly important as the bit travels through thicker countertops, laminated edges, pavers, and stone assemblies.

Brazed diamonds on the inside help prevent the drilled stone plug from becoming tightly wedged inside the barrel.

Anyone who has spent time fighting a stuck granite or quartz plug out of a core bit knows how useful this feature can be. Easier plug removal means less downtime between holes and less time trying to pry material out of the tool.

20mm & 30mm Depth Gauge Lines

The Obsidian includes built-in depth gauge markings at 20mm and 30mm.

These visual reference lines help the operator quickly judge drilling depth without stopping to measure constantly.

That can be particularly useful when working with common countertop and tile thicknesses or when the installer needs to control drilling depth during field modifications.

Wet or Dry Diamond Core Bit

The Zenesis Obsidian can be used wet or dry, giving fabricators and installers flexibility depending on the jobsite and equipment available.

Wet Drilling

When water is practical, wet drilling can help cool the diamond segment, control dust, remove slurry, and reduce heat during extended drilling.

Wet operation can be especially useful when drilling dense quartzite, porcelain, granite, or Dekton where heat management becomes important.

Dry Drilling

Dry capability makes the Obsidian extremely useful for countertop installations and field work where setting up a continuous water supply may not be convenient.

When drilling dry, use appropriate dust collection and respiratory protection and avoid allowing excessive heat to build in the core bit.

5/8"-11 Core Bit for Angle Grinders & Polishers

The Zenesis Obsidian uses a direct 5/8"-11 threaded arbor that fits common professional angle grinders and stone polishers.

This eliminates the need for a separate chuck-style drill setup and puts the bit directly onto equipment already found in most countertop fabrication shops and installation trucks.

The 5/8"-11 connection also makes it easy to move between drilling and other grinder-mounted fabrication tools throughout the job.

Recommended Materials

• Quartzite
• Granite
• Engineered Quartz
• Engineered Stone
• Porcelain Tile
• Large-Format Porcelain
• Porcelain Pavers
• Dekton
• Marble
• Ceramic Tile
• Natural Stone

Common Applications

• Countertop faucet holes
• Kitchen faucet openings
• Bathroom faucet holes
• Vanity faucet openings
• Soap dispenser holes
• Filtered-water faucet openings
• Air-switch holes
• Plumbing fixture openings
• Countertop accessory holes
• Stone fabrication drilling
• Porcelain slab drilling
• Porcelain paver drilling
• Dekton drilling
• Granite countertop installation
• Quartz countertop installation
• Quartzite countertop installation
• Tile installation
• Field fabrication and modification

Product Specifications

How to Drill a Clean Hole with the Zenesis Obsidian

Mark the center of the required opening and confirm the finished hole diameter before drilling.

When drilling freehand with an angle grinder, begin with the core bit held at a slight angle so only a small portion of the diamond segment contacts the surface. Allow the diamonds to establish a shallow groove before gradually bringing the tool upright.

Once the bit has established its path, use controlled pressure and a slight orbital or rocking movement rather than forcing the entire diamond segment straight downward.

Let the diamond do the cutting. Excessive downward force generally increases heat and tool load without improving drilling speed.

When practical, add water to cool the bit and control dust. The Obsidian is designed for dry drilling as well, making it especially convenient during countertop installation and field fabrication.

Tips for Drilling Quartzite

Quartzite varies dramatically from one slab to another. Some materials drill relatively easily, while extremely dense quartzites can place a much greater load on the core bit.

Start with moderate pressure and let the diamond segment establish the cut. Avoid trying to force the bit simply because drilling progress slows.

If practical, use water during especially difficult quartzite drilling to help control heat and clear fine stone particles from the cutting area.

Tips for Drilling Porcelain & Dekton

Porcelain and sintered surfaces respond best to a controlled drilling technique.

Establish the hole gradually and avoid aggressive pressure that could increase the risk of surface chipping or breakout.

Near the end of the hole, reduce pressure and allow the bit to complete the opening rather than forcing the final section through the back of the material.

Why Brazed Barrel Diamonds Matter

Core-bit performance is not only about how quickly the segment cuts through the top of the material.

Once the bit enters the slab, the barrel itself is surrounded by stone. Any friction between the barrel and the hole can increase resistance, heat, and binding.

The external brazed diamond coating on the Obsidian helps manage that contact. Inside the barrel, the additional diamond coating reduces the tendency for the core plug to become tightly jammed inside the tool.

These features are especially useful when drilling thick material or completing multiple holes during a production or installation job.

One Core Bit for the Installation Truck

Installation crews do not always know exactly what they will encounter during the day.

One job may be engineered quartz. The next may be granite. Another customer may have Taj Mahal quartzite, porcelain slab, marble, or Dekton.

Carrying separate 1-3/8" core bits for every individual material takes up space and makes tool selection more complicated.

The biggest advantage of the Zenesis Obsidian is that it is designed to drill all of these materials with one professional core bit.

For a countertop installer who wants one dependable 1-3/8" faucet-hole bit in the truck, that versatility is difficult to overlook.

Why Choose a 1-3/8" Diamond Core Bit?

The 1-3/8" size is one of the most frequently requested diameters in countertop and plumbing-fixture fabrication. It provides clearance for many common faucet stems, accessory fittings, soap dispensers, filtered-water faucets, and similar countertop-mounted hardware.

Because fixture requirements differ, always confirm the manufacturer's required cutout before drilling rather than assuming every faucet uses the same opening.

For shops and installers that regularly encounter 1-3/8" fixture openings, keeping a premium diamond core bit in this size is essential.

Zenesis Obsidian vs. a Standard Diamond Hole Saw

A basic diamond hole saw may work well on one or two materials, but professional countertop installers need tooling that can handle a much broader range of surfaces.

The Obsidian combines an 8mm patterned diamond segment, drop-segment construction, internal and external brazed diamonds, wet/dry operation, built-in depth gauges, and a direct 5/8"-11 grinder connection.

Those features are designed to address the problems fabricators encounter in real use: slow drilling, inconsistent tool life, barrel binding, stuck plugs, changing materials, and working without water at an installation site.

Getting the Best Life from Your Diamond Core Bit

Do not use excessive pressure. A diamond core bit cuts most efficiently when fresh diamond is allowed to work against the material instead of being forced through it.

Avoid allowing excessive heat to build during dry drilling. Give the tool time to cool when necessary, especially in dense porcelain, quartzite, and ultra-compact materials.

Use water whenever the application and jobsite allow it. Cooling and slurry removal can improve drilling conditions and help protect the diamond segment.

Keep the grinder under control throughout the hole and avoid excessive side-loading of the segment.

Remove the core plug after drilling rather than allowing multiple plugs or debris to build inside the barrel.

BladeRunner's Take on the Zenesis Obsidian

The biggest reason we like this core bit is simple: versatility.

A countertop installer may drill granite on one job, engineered quartz on the next, then show up to a project with extremely hard quartzite, porcelain, or Dekton.

The Obsidian is designed so you do not need a different 1-3/8" faucet-hole core bit every time the countertop material changes.

Zenesis adds features that matter in real fabrication work: an 8mm patterned diamond segment, drop-segment protection, wet or dry use, depth gauges, and diamond coating on both sides of the barrel to reduce binding and make plug removal easier.

If we were putting one 1-3/8" diamond core bit for faucet holes in an installation truck and needed it to handle quartzite, granite, quartz, porcelain, Dekton, marble, and natural stone, the Zenesis Obsidian is exactly the type of bit we would want with us.