How do you drill 1 1/8 holes into Metal?

[Superdude]

I have a new arcade cab that uses a metal control panel.  I just need 3 more extra button holes in it.  How do you drill 1 1/8 holes into Metal? I have drilled in plywood and MDF before but I hate to chew up my spade bits on the metal.  Any ideas?  

[locash]

Whatever you do, don't try the spade bit.  That's a good way to break your wrist.  Try one of these instead:

http://www.toolking.com/dewalt/view.asp?id=2378

[wee beastie]

Looks like that one will break your wrist too if you don't have a drill press.  I could be wrong though.

I think you want a step bit.  It looks like a cone with ridges on it.  I believe that bob roberts sells them.

[paigeoliver]

Looks like that one will break your wrist too if you don't have a drill press.  I could be wrong though.

I think you want a step bit.  It looks like a cone with ridges on it.  I believe that bob roberts sells them.

I have used one like that before. It worked, but it burned out after only two holes.

[mj147]

For my metal CP I just used a cheapo Home Depot Hole saw, I ended drilling about 14 button holes with a cordless drill without a problem.


mj147

[Warborg]

Looks like that one will break your wrist too if you don't have a drill press.  I could be wrong though.

You are wrong...  

[AlanS17]

Any fine tooth hole saw from the local hardware store should put a hole in it. They sell hole saws specifically for drilling into metal. Plus make sure your pilot bit can actually burrow through the metal, too. If your pilot bit can't dent it then you'll never get down to the saw to cut it.

If your pilot bit keeps running around on the surface before going in you may want to start with a smaller starter hole using a standard metal bit. Make something like a 1/8 inch hole. That way you're sure it's centered.

[Warborg]

Any fine tooth hole saw from the local hardware store should put a hole in it. They sell hole saws specifically for drilling into metal. Plus make sure your pilot bit can actually burrow through the metal, too. If your pilot bit can't dent it then you'll never get down to the saw to cut it.

If your pilot bit keeps running around on the surface before going in you may want to start with a smaller starter hole using a standard metal bit. Make something like a 1/8 inch hole. That way you're sure it's centered.

I just marked the center of where the hole was supposed to be, and then used a centerpunch to put a small divit for the pilot bit to grab onto...

[locash]

Looks like that one will break your wrist too if you don't have a drill press.  I could be wrong though.

I think you want a step bit.  It looks like a cone with ridges on it.  I believe that bob roberts sells them.

I have used one like that before. It worked, but it burned out after only two holes.

It can be pretty easy to burn out a hole saw while cutting metal.  If it heats up too much, it will lose its temper and get dull really quick.  Try keeping the rpms down on the drill and cutting a little at a time and/or using water or oil as a lubricant.  What ever you do to keep the blade cool will add to the life of the saw.

Warborg is on the money regarding the centerpunch.  It's the way to go to keep the pilot from wandering.