i need help drilling 1 inch holes

[ronjhall]

I use Tap Magic Pro Tap for most of my metal cutting projects. Works with a lot of different metals. Click Here
I suggested Rigid Thread Cutting Oil, because it more readily available.
It makes a difference on how easily metal can be cut. Try it, you will like it.

 

[Farwell]

Most ACE Hardware stores carry cutting oil. They are not the cheapest but the price is not out of line. Think I paid $13 for a gallon the last time I bought it.
Farwell

 

[MadReferee]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I never knew there was special cutting oil. I've always used light machine oil and don't think I've ever had a problem. What advantage does the cutting oil have? )</font>

5030 answered your question in a post on the first page of this thread.

Besides having properties that lubricate, cutting oil/fluid has excellent heat dissipation properties along with better ability to allow chips to flow away from the cutter thus allowing longer cutter life. In other words, cutting oil/fluid is more efficient at its job than simple light machine oil.

 

[3RRL]

Hi Alan,
I just finished drilling 4 holes on 2 brackets stacked together.
Drilled thru 1" thick.
-center drill
-Ø1/2" drill thru
-Ø1-1/8" drill thru

Less than 5 minutes including set-up and indicated.

2 HP Bridgeport mill, DRO, collets, clamp kit....$10,000 (then)
Interapid Indicator, Indicol, 1-2-3 blocks..........$250
Drills ............................................................$150
14" Custom made milling/grinding vise & clamps....150hrs+
2 beers...............................................................$2.50
Chance to share pics with TBN buddies....PRICELESS

Ha...and the holes are for clearance!!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[scott_vt]

Gee Rob,
I could have sworn that I used those same 1-2-3- blocks yesterday /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

By the way, I like your blue print /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

scotty

 

[3RRL]

LOL, LOL,
Yea, you can see it's not to scale...

 

[escavader]

It Must be nice! Lesson learned...Its tough to drill big holes with a 1/2 hp mini drill press.I cheated,i got my boss to finish them at work one morning,while i covered for him.He didnt mind,it was cold out that morning ,and our planing mill isnt heated /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifThumb project is all done now,works great! The holes were the hardest part.
You can tell when a bit is cutting good ,when it leaves them filings like you got there.Too bad your so far away /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
ALAN

 

[RobJ]

Ok second post on this but here is another poor mans way. I needed some 14mm holes in 3/4" bar for a spacer behind my bumper. Nothing seen when complete. I drilled a 1/4" pilot hole then used the oxy/acet to do the rest. This one was freehand and you can see where I moved on one side. I could have taken a little more time to make a wooden guide from wood. But this'll do. Only about 5 minutes for 4 holes. Not pretty but it'll work and I didn't have to buy an expensive bit. The pilot hole helps the torch to get started with a clean cut all the way through the material. And yes the hole is supposed to be off center. The upper bumper holes on the L2500 are closer to the sheet metal than the center of this 2" bar. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[dfkrug]

I know why there have been so many responses to this thread: drilling holes in thick metal is the biggest hassle of all for us amature fabricators. Now that said, I think all the methods I have used have been covered. Twist drills up to 1-inch, bi-metal hole saws (2-inch is my record in 1/2" A36 steel), plasma cutter with aluminum templates, milled holes (on a friend's Bridgeport mill), lathe with 4-jaw chuck (has that one been mentioned?), and my favorite: $1/hole on a
50T hydraulic punch at a machinist. My next tool may be a 40T ironworker....they can be had for $2500 new. Punches and dies are extra. Like others, my drill press is crappy, a 16.5" Delta floor model purchased new more than 25y ago. 250 RPM is slowest speed and the bearings complain big time when doing big holes. Is it time for a "good" drill press? BTW, if you ever get that plasma cutter (sweeeet), the oxy-acetylene torch will be relegated to the rare heating and brazing tasks.