Drilling Aluminum

[Howardd]

I need to drill a few 3/4 holes in 1/2 aluminum plate using my Rong Fu mill drill. Can I improve the outcome by putting a small flat on the cutting edges of the drill?

Thanks

Howardd

 

[BGHansen]

That will help. Google "Tom's techniques" and you'll find a video with tips on drilling plastic, brass and aluminum. He demonstrates slightly dulling the drill bit to prevent "screwing" the drill into the work.

Bruce

 

[Howardd]

He suggests modifying the bit for brass and plastic. I found similar advice on other sites but could not find confirmation of the technique for aluminum.

Howardd

 

[markba633csi]

Hi Howard, drilling a small pilot hole say around 3/16" first often helps keep the drill from wandering, and use a liquid like tapmagic or liquid wrench
It takes some power to drill 3/4" holes, make sure you clamp the workpiece firmly- don't try to hand-hold it
Use a slow spindle speed
Mark

 

[darkzero]

He suggests modifying the bit for brass and plastic. I found similar advice on other sites but could not find confirmation of the technique for aluminum.

Howardd

Generally stoning a flat on the drill bit edges is a trick used on materials that tend to grab like brass & plastics. But it also works for thin materials to prevent grabbing at the end of the hole. 1/2" plate isn't considered thin & you shouldn't need to do this.

What issue are you having, is the bit grabbing as you punch through?

 

[mikey]

I agree, you shouldn't need to alter the drill to make a hole in aluminum.

 

[Howardd]

Have not tried yet. I read somewhere that aluminum grabs like brass and drill bits needed to be modified for aluminum as for brass.

Don’t want to modify a new 3/4 inch drill bit unless necessary.

Howardd

 

[darkzero]

Have not tried yet. I read somewhere that aluminum grabs like brass and drill bits needed to be modified for aluminum as for brass.

Don’t want to modify a new 3/4 inch drill bit unless necessary.

Howardd

No need to over think it, just have at it & see what happens. You should be fine. If you do have trouble, drill a pilot hole, then step up in sizes before drilling 3/4". I'd probably drill a pilot hole anyway before drilling 3/4" to help with the web thickness of the 3/4" drill but it should be fine to just drill with the 3/4" first shot in only 1/2" thickness. I wouldn't use a keyless chuck though, keyed chuck or collet.

 

[tq60]

For sheet or thin stuff a step drill cannot be beat.

Controlled cut, stays round due to shape and built in corner breaker.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[markba633csi]

Aluminum doesn't grab anywhere near as bad as brass; a standard drill will work fine, just be sure to clamp the work firmly
M