what do I need to drill a round hole through a 1/2" aluminum post?

[urameatball]

let me try to clarify.

I have a 1/2" diameter by 2" long aluminum post.

I need to drill a circular hole through the diameter of the post. the hole should be 1/4"

right now I have a cheap drill with a cheap aluminum 1/4" drill bit. but I doubt an aluminum drill bit will cut through a diecast aluminum rod.

what tools might I need to get?

 

[yakko]

A better drill and bit.

 

[hendon]

probably a steel bit...

 

[shiner]

A naked pic of Jessica Alba, and a little Jim Beam for a painkiller.

 

[Viper GTS]

A carbide bit should do it.

Viper GTS

 

[JohnnyKnoxville]

Is this a trick question?

 

[Harvey]

In addition to a good bit, don't try to do it in one pass. Start with a smaller pilot hole about 1/10" to 1/8", first. Then, the larger bit will go through faster and cleaner. It'll also give you a chance to correct the hole if you go off your desired center line.

 

[RossGr]

I have never seen an aluminium drill bit, don't think they are made.

Any common metal cutting bit will be fine Al is easy to drill. The hardest part will be holding the piece while you drill and getting the hole started.


To get the hole started you will need a file and a center punch. First file a reasonable sized flat then in the middle of the flat use the punch to make a starting indentation.

Clamp the rod and start drilling if the bit walks around and slips off the rod you need a better flat and start point. Some times it helps to start the hole with a smaller bit, do not worry about going all the way through with the small bit just enough so your 1/4" will stay put.

To drill apply steady pressure and let the bit do the work. If you have some light oil you can use it to cool the bit, nice but not necessary.

The hardest part will be holding the rod, if you have a vice use it, if not just hold on best you can.

Good luck, it should be easy.

 

[RossGr]

<< Start with a smaller pilot hole about 1/10&quot; to 1/8&quot;, first >>



As a general rule, don't. This is how you chew up the flukes of your larger bit. Drill bits are designed to cut from the center, though it is a common practice it is not necessarly a good one, 1/4&quot; is not that big Go for it man, just drill it.

The fact is Al is so soft that you can cut it with about anything. You want tough, cut some Stainless Steel.


edit:
BTW I hope you mean 2' (foot) not 2&quot; (inch) It will be very hard to hold a 2&quot; rod, you will NEED a vice for that. A 2' rod could be done without a vice, get a knee on it, as you may need both hands on the drill.

 

[HansHurt]

A carbide bit should do it.

 

[yakko]

<< The hardest part will be holding the rod, if you have a vice use it >>

What kind of freak are you?

 

[RossGr]

Yakko:

What.~^ You don't hold your rod in a vice? It's the only way to go, course some of us need bigger vices then others.

 

[Noriaki]

nevermind that.

 

[urameatball]

okay, correction.
I think both the drill bit and aluminum rod are stainless steel.

cuz I just took the dril bit that I had and tried it out. it took me 1/2 hr to go through 1/4 of the rod's diameter. and the drill bit is wearing down. plus the fact that both the bit and the rod are heating up like crazy!

and no, I don't have a vice, so I'm just holding on to it with dear life... and I also gotta put it under cold water every 20 seconds because it's getting WAY too HOT!

thanks for the advice though. I'm just gonna kill this drill bit as much as possible and see whether I could get all the way through.

and btw, that jessica alba idea might just work, so anyone got a pic?

 

[RossGr]

A sharp drill bit will help a lot, if it is stainless then you will be work hardening it with your dull bit, this can make stainless nearly impossible with a hand drill. GET A NEW SHARP bit. Also if you are indeed working with stainless watch out for the fine metal slivers, they are a bitch to dig out.

 

[urameatball]

<< A sharp drill bit will help a lot, if it is stainless then you will be work hardening it with your dull bit, this can make stainless nearly impossible with a hand drill. GET A NEW SHARP bit. Also if you are indeed working with stainless watch out for the fine metal slivers, they are a bitch to dig out. >>

you're a little too late. the shrapnel is all over my fingers now! and yah, A sharp drill bit would DEFINATELY help... but I'm alsmot half way there and there's no point in stopping now. I'm on a roll .

and oh look, my drill bit has rounded edges... HAHA!!!

 

[Cyberian]

<< okay, correction.
I think both the drill bit and aluminum rod are stainless steel.
>>



Yeah, Stainless Steel Aluminum is a bitch to drill!

 

[Colt45]

you sure you dont have the bit going backwards? LOL


I think both the drill bit and aluminum rod are stainless steel.

i've never heard of an aluminum stainless steel rod.. :Q

 

[Mday]

um, also, use a cutting lubricant. and wear work gloves.