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| Bobbler:
I got to the stage of cutting holes in my metal control panel for the new button locations. I need to ask, what the hell do you use to drill through this stuff??? I got a set of decent titanium nitride covered bits but even putting one hole in the control panel has blunted it before it made it through to the other side. Short of trying to get hold of an industrial metal milling machine I am not sure what I am gonna do here. I "only" need to put the drill holes in then I have a metal hole punch (which I am beginning to doubt will get through the sheet either at this stage) |
| Paladin:
What you need is a metal punch. These are specifically made to punch large clean holes in metal. I've never had to use one, but wondered the same thing. Do some searches of the board for 'metal punch', Greenlee seems to be a brand that is mentioned alot. |
| Bobbler:
--- Quote from: Paladin on December 14, 2006, 08:44:06 am ---What you need is a metal punch. These are specifically made to punch large clean holes in metal. I've never had to use one, but wondered the same thing. Do some searches of the board for 'metal punch', Greenlee seems to be a brand that is mentioned alot. --- End quote --- Thats great Paladin, but have a re-read of my post mate...I got the metal hole punch to put the button holes in, the problem is you need to drill a hole in there first to put the punch screw through before I can go any further. |
| Xiaou2:
"Large Holes: Bi-Metal 'Hole saws' will work well to cut button holes. However, they dont seem to last forever... and they are expensive to replace. You may wish to use a 'metal punch'. A ratcheting device that slowly cuts as t clamps the two halves together." ------------ And for other drilling and cutting: No matter what, drilling thru metal will always kill bits quickly. However, here are some tips that will make things last a lot longer: 1) Start drilling a hole with a much smaller bit. 2) After completed, use the next drill size up. 3) Keep stepping up size in bits, untill youve made it to the size youve needed. By doing this, you are cutting less metal per pass than if you were trying to cut directly with one bit. Smaller bits have less surface area, and thus less resistence and friction. The next bit up, will then just have to 'shave' the outter edge to get thru...etc. Other stuff... Use a cutting fluid. Coat the bits, and the area to be cut. You could try to use some sort of oil.. however, oils tend to burn and smoke... where cutting fluids are less prone to it. These will help keep the bitss cooler and under less friction, thus less wear. Heat: When metal gets hot, it will expand. This can also cause more wear than wanted. Try to keep things cool with a constant airflow.. as well as stopping after a while of cutting and waiting for things to cool. Your drill will also last longer too. heh You can keep some Ice water next to ya, and douse a hot bit cool quickly. Just dont drop the drill into it :P Professional cutting machines use some sort of constant fluid flowing over the material while cutting metals, to keep things cool. You could simulate this too. Maybe use a spray bottle every so often. Sharpen Bits: Get a "Drill Doctor" machine. They work awesome. You can re-sharpen your bits over and over and over again. The 'split-tip' option on them will help to make an even better bit than you may have started out with! Highly worth the cash imop. Step-Drills: There are these cone-like bits called step bits. Its simular to the process of drilling small to large holes.. but no need for changing bits. The downside is that the bits are expensive. You also may need a set of them.. as some use too big of steps and wear too fast. Im not sure if they can be sharpened. Wear: Most wear occurs at the very Tip of the bits. The spiral flute is more or less just to keep the materal moving up. A dull head, will not cut into the metal no matter how hard you push. The angles and curved cuts on the drills head can be sharpened.. but not easily without a machine specific for it. As if you are off on the angles, the bits will function poorly anyway. They may break or dull even faster too. Large Holes: Button holes and larger.. your better off useing some sort of 'metal punch'. A ratcheting device that slowly cuts as it clamps the two halves together. Bi-Metal 'Hole saws' will work well to cut button holes. However, they dont seem to last forever... and they are expensive to replace. Other means: Jigsaws: With metal cutting bits can cut decently. Metal Cutting Bandsaw: An awesome machine for cutting metals! They are smooth and cut at slower speeds, and are very quiet and effecient. The blades last very long compared to other methods. Cut-Off Discs: These abrasive discs can be used to cut metals.. however, they grind theirselves away as they are used. It can get expensive if making lots of cuts with them. For extreme cutting of metals.. Buy a plasma cutter! Hehe. Can cut intricate designs in metals. However, these are very expensive. Many welders can also cut metals.. tho, they are also a bit expensive, and require a good knowldege, skill, a welding helmet and various other equipments needed for proper operations. |
| ChadTower:
Use an assault rifle. |
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