Does anyone have any helpful hints on drilling out an air hole using a hand drill on SS? I'd be heartbroken if I ruined it and I don't know anyone with a drill press.
Drilling out air hold advice
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I was thinking vice-grips lined with something to hold it? Thank you for the cobalt suggestion.
I have done a few, and some, I was able to hold by hand, some I clamped in a wooden vice.
Here's how I do it, without a drill press. I have a small C clamp, which I use to clamp the top cap down to my table. I pick a cobalt bit, whatever size I want. I dip the tip of the bit in some VG before I start. It doesn't have to be VG. It can be PG, juice, or whatever, to lubricate the bit. Personally, I don't like to use oil, but some people do. I place the tip of the drill bit in the hole I want to enlarge, before pressing the trigger on the drill. I start slow, and apply even pressure. Don't try to force it. Nice even pressure. The drill will do the work.
This diamond bit in a Dremel works great on SS. The advantage is it fits in the small hole and reduces the risk of a regular bit jumping or walking, Plus you can go up in size slowly to any size not just drill bit sizes.
That Dremel bit looks perfect, FB. I don't know what size I'm aiming for so it would keep me from having to buy several sizes. Y'all are awesome!
I just did a cyclone cap on Saturday with that bit. Opened it up to slightly larger than 1/16. took less than 10 min.
Filthy
Do you have a link for that Dremel diamond taper bit?
I'm looking for the smallest diamond taper bit
The smallest I can find is 5/64"
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-Diamond-Taper-Diameter-DRE7134/dp/B00068OUMK
Do you have a link for that Dremel diamond taper bit?
I'm looking for the smallest diamond taper bit
The smallest I can find is 5/64"
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-Diamond-Taper-Diameter-DRE7134/dp/B00068OUMK
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That's the Dremel part number, 7134. I'm guessing the 5/64 is the fat end size.
7134 Diamond Wheel Point / Model: 7134
7134 Diamond Wheel Point / Model: 7134
"Do not use this cutter for drilling holes or for enlarging holes that are less than twice the diameter of the cutter. The tungsten carbide surface can easily catch the side of a hole and break the bit."
Here are some tips based on my experience:
- Put some tape over the atty - if you slip for any reason, this protects you from scratches and gouges
- Decide up front what size you want to go to - once you drill, you can't go back. You may not need as big of a hole as you think, especially if you are drilling dual holes (when there are two, they can be smaller and still provide the same draw). Also remember that opening up the air hole too big will devalue the atty should you ever choose to sell it.
- A lot of good atties are made in the UK or at least, measured in mm. Get yourself a small metric bit set - then you can make wise choices about exactly how much enlargement you are opting for (start with a .2mm enlargement for example, and work your way up if needed.)
New 15pc Micro Drill Bit Mini Set High Speed Metric Sizes 1 05 mm 2 0 Mm | eBay
Here are some tips based on my experience:
- Put some tape over the atty - if you slip for any reason, this protects you from scratches and gouges
- Decide up front what size you want to go to - once you drill, you can't go back. You may not need as big of a hole as you think, especially if you are drilling dual holes (when there are two, they can be smaller and still provide the same draw). Also remember that opening up the air hole too big will devalue the atty should you ever choose to sell it.
- A lot of good atties are made in the UK or at least, measured in mm. Get yourself a small metric bit set - then you can make wise choices about exactly how much enlargement you are opting for (start with a .2mm enlargement for example, and work your way up if needed.)
New 15pc Micro Drill Bit Mini Set High Speed Metric Sizes 1 05 mm 2 0 Mm | eBay
Good solid instruction, Vwls. I have no idea what size I want the hole so the idea of the tapered Dremel tip looks appealing. I'll have to see what the local hardware store has in stock before I know which way I'll go with it.
So glad I asked this here rather than just wing it. I tend to be too spontaneous for my own good. Now I know what I'm getting into. Thank you all for advising. Fingers crossed for good results. I built my own backyard deck so I should be able to handle this.
So glad I asked this here rather than just wing it. I tend to be too spontaneous for my own good. Now I know what I'm getting into. Thank you all for advising. Fingers crossed for good results. I built my own backyard deck so I should be able to handle this.
If you are holding the atty by hand, old trick I used to use.
Take a thick book and open it up in the middle. Use the "V" groove in the middle of book to wedge the atty. Much easier to hold the atty.
Take a thick book and open it up in the middle. Use the "V" groove in the middle of book to wedge the atty. Much easier to hold the atty.
Use an auto punch to dimple the SS where you want to start drilling. Punch it a few times in the same place and that should pretty much stop your drill bit from walking. Clamp idea is brilliant if you dont have a bench vise. Use a cobalt bit. I use cutting oil but i just wash everything real good when im done. dont use much pressure, let the drill and the bit do the work. constantly lube if it gets hot your working backwards. Slow speed to drill.
If you are making a new hole, i would start with something small like 1/16th
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