Normally if I'm drilling holes where exact placement isn't critical, I'll use a hand drill or drill press and put the workpiece on sacrificial scrap wood, which helps prevent hole tearout on the exit side.
Currently I have to drill a number of holes in .050" 5052 aluminum sheet where placement is more important, so I'm thinking about doing it on the mill. The diameters are common (most are 1/4"), so I could go with either drill bits or end mills.
For working on the mill, any suggestions on the best approach to ensure clean holes?
Currently I have to drill a number of holes in .050" 5052 aluminum sheet where placement is more important, so I'm thinking about doing it on the mill. The diameters are common (most are 1/4"), so I could go with either drill bits or end mills.
For working on the mill, any suggestions on the best approach to ensure clean holes?