Surface set drilling, also known as surface set diamond drilling or surface set coring, is a drilling method used to obtain core samples from hard rock formations. It involves the use of a surface set drill bit, which has a matrix embedded with natural or synthetic diamonds on its cutting surface.

The surface set drill bit is characterized by a metal matrix with multiple layers of industrial-grade diamonds embedded in it. The diamonds are fixed in a pattern on the bit's cutting face, usually in a uniform arrangement or "set" formation. This design allows for aggressive cutting action and efficient penetration into hard rock formations.