drilling holes

[Cynosure]

Anyone have tips for drilling into 3 or 6 mil pvc? Whenever I try it, I get a "corkscrew" effect and an unclean drill hole that needs to be finished with an xacto. It's a new dewalt titanium bit, maybe I need a different type? Drill faster...slower....

 

[Sign Eagle]

What size holes?

 

[Firefox]

Drill faster (RPM) feed slower (how hard you push).

If using a hand drill it might be a little harder to do than with a drill press.

Also. if you drill a pilot hole make it very small or the drill bit will really want to act like a wood screw (cork screw)

I use a punch... it cuts very cleanly!

 

[Pixels Are Bad Mmmkay?]

We use a Roper Whitney hand punch that will do holes up to 1/4" in aluminum, MaxMetal, PVC, pretty much whatever you throw at it. I think you can pick one up for around $100.00. It's a very handy tool that makes perfect holes every time. Use a center punch to locate the holes and they are dead on the money.

 

[Cynosure]

I just picked one up...A #8 I believe for 7/16" (grommets) and 1/8". The problem is I did not realize how big it was and did not get the table stand. So until that shows up...I might have to resort to the drill because this press is a beast!

 

[Firefox]

This is the punch in my kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Roper-Whitney-No-Jr-Punch/dp/B0015YPB2C

 

[bob]

Forstner bits if the hole is 1/4" or more, they don't come any smaller. Failing that a brad point bit. Use a drill press if at all possible, especially with the Forstner bits.

With either of these bit styles in a drill press or with a steady hand and a drill held with the bit completely perpendicular to the work as humanly possible, perfectly clean holes will result.

 

[DizzyMarkus]

Drilling in reverse? new sharp bit :0)

Markus

 

[joshGN]

This is the punch in my kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Roper-Whitney-No-Jr-Punch/dp/B0015YPB2C

I use something similar, but the cheaper version...

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Power-P...qid=1412427152&sr=1-2&keywords=Hand+Punch+Kit

I got it at the local chinese tool store for $20...never had a problem with it...

I actually just did 400 pcs of 3 mil pvc with 2 holes in ea pc...

 

[FireSprint.com]

For a few holes you can use one of these like others have said: Metal Hole Punch Kit, Hand Held Power Punch
This is handy for mounting your hand punch to a bench: http://www.frednelsonfabrication.com/PunchMountSales.htm
We took two of these mounting brackets and put them on some T-Slot on a board to make a jig for repeat punch cuts.

If you need to drill slightly larger holes through plastic, try using Forstner Bits:

Good Every Day Use - PORTER-CABLE PC1014 Forstner Bit Set, 14-Piece
And if You have to drill larger holes (1" Plus) Best Forstner Bits I have used so far - Irwin Industrial Tools 3046008 1-1/2-Inch 3-Cutter Self Feed Drill Bit

And if you don't have a drill press, or the one you have doesn't have a wide enough throat, you can try this: Wolfcraft 4525404 Drill Guide Attachment for 1/4-Inch or 3/8-Inch Drills Make sure you put a piece of scrap down, or this little press might mar your print.


We'll that's probably enough product plugs today. :Big Laugh We honestly use all these things around our shop for different kinds of holes.

 

[Z SIGNS]

In case you guys don't know there are bits for plastic.They have a different angle point and spiral.
Clean perfect holes
http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastic-cutting-drill-bits/=u0ay0b