- Joined
- May 16, 2016
- Messages
- 1,698
A lot depends on how many holes you have to drill? A few , a lot or something in between, and to some degree how accurate they have to be. For just a few holes I would be inclined to drill the closest undersize you have and then file to size it is only aluminium. Try using a 3 corner or triangular file that is just a bit too big and turning it slowly in the hole will give quite a good finish as it slowly increase the size, measure the hole frequently as you go. If it's a lot then you have some choices, invest in an adjustable reamer, or make an undersize drill Using an old 17/32 bit set up in lathe and a tool post grinder to grind it accurately to size then relieve it behind the lands by hand or even set up a guide to turn the drill to get it more accurate. you only need to resize the drill a little over a 1/4 inch in length to do the job then you can always resharpen the drill back to its proper size.I need to drill a 17/32" (.5313") through in 1/4" aluminum. The hole needs to be a few thou under 17/32".
Closer to .5300 or .5210"?
Is there a way to touch up the drill on a belt sander so it will drill a smaller hole?
I don't have time to bore the hole and there are no under size 17/32" reamers.
Can this be done? I was thinking that maybe the flutes on the sides of the drills cutting edges can be touched on the belt sander? I know most drills cut over size, so..?
Thanks