Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: bird-shots on May 26, 2006, 09:57:55 PM

Title: Bit for drilling soft aluminum
Post by: bird-shots on May 26, 2006, 09:57:55 PM

My project is simple, I'm drilling a dozen 1/8" holes in 6063 aluminum flat stock 1/8" thick.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a bit and/or technique that will minimize gumming?

geach

Title: Re: Bit for drilling soft aluminum
Post by: Brian Barker on May 27, 2006, 12:22:29 AM

Use a waterbased coolant to get the heat out and you should be good to go!

Title: Re: Bit for drilling soft aluminum
Post by: bird-shots on May 27, 2006, 11:59:26 AM

Thanks Brian, I'll give it a try. Do you have a particular bit in mind...end mill, 'V', etc...TiN, carbide, etc...straight, spiral, etc...single flute, double flute, etc ? I searched the Internet for a week and the only thing I've found is an article by some of the Guhring guys...good article but a little too high tech for me.

Thanks again,

geach

Title: Re: Bit for drilling soft aluminum
Post by: Rusty on May 27, 2006, 12:12:59 PM

Use a 'screw machine' length high helix drill. Run it very fast(SS) with a moderate feed(don't crowd the drill). And as said before use a good quality coolant. Failing having a water soluble coolant handy, WD40 works well.

Title: Re: Bit for drilling soft aluminum
Post by: bird-shots on May 27, 2006, 12:53:05 PM

Will do, thanks...geach