Dome help <> drilling question.........

system error · Post by **system error** » Wed May 31, 2006 5:15 am

Hi all, ok ive cut my 3/4" conduit squashed the ends using 1 ton press (phew) now im onto the most important part drilling my holes.
i have this drill press here

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product.as ... 2042&g=106

to do my holes, i know its not industrial strenght but im hopin it will work np.

my question is this, as i know very little about drilling metal.

Am i meant to drill small holes first and work up to the 10mm drill bitt, or is the plan to go straight through the conduit with the 10mm ?

i have titanium drill bits and cutting oil to use, any advice most welcome...

also im a little stuck on makin my jig for drilling, as i cant cut a v in a 2x4 any ideas or photos welcome.:)

timber mischief · Post by **timber mischief** » Wed May 31, 2006 7:49 am

Build a Right angle jig with a 1/4" shelf behind the drill bit. the shelf will stabilize the crushed end and give it something to rest on while being drilled.
make some thing to rest the other end on.
take the strut push it into the corner of the lined up jig. Place a dot of cutting oil and let it rip. I strongly reccomend a heavy duty resirator mask, or you'll be smelling vaporized cutting oil for a week. Pm me with any further questions.

system error · Post by **system error** » Wed May 31, 2006 12:59 pm

thanks man, i c what u mean, ill Pm you if i run into problems ...ta

LeChatNoir · Post by **LeChatNoir** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 9:23 am

Biggest problem is when the drill breaks through the other side and often wants to catch, due to the fact that the stock you're drilling is so thin. Feed it slow and be careful.

And as timber mischief points out, a drilling fixture is a big, big plus when it comes to doing lots of holes. It can be made of wood, or whatever, as long as it gives a positive stop on at least two sides of the squashed ends of the struts (and thus a better chance at accurate hole location). Just make sure the fixture is clamped down good and tight. Those small drill presses tend to vibrate and can loosen your fixture over time.

Oh... and a split point drill will help you get started in the location you want, rather than walk all around the workpiece. It’s a drill with a specific type of grind for the point that lets it start quicker and in many cases eliminates the need to center punch.

Good luck and wear your safety glasses!!!