[OP]
Member
This may be a stupid question, but can I use a forstner bit to drill through a 1/4" thick aluminum plate? I have a new router plate that needs hols drilled but the only drill bits that I have that are big enough are forstner bits. Just asking. Thanks.
Chuck
Last edited by Chuck Isaacson; 12-30-2009 at 11:58 PM.
In Memoriam
Not for metal.
Member
try a bi-metal hole saw - you should be able to pick one up at the BORG for a minor cost
In Memoriam
tip for drilling thick metal with a holesaw, score the surface with the holesaw, then remove the saw and drill 4 1/4" holes so the edge of the holes is just even with the outside score mark. This will let the shavings fall down thru the 4 holes instead of filling up the teeth of the holesaw. (old blacksmith trick)
Another smith trick, if you don't have alumacut for drilling aluminumn, using the removable lid from some container or a shallow dish of some sort. Put talcum powder or chalk line chalk in the dish and dip the hole saw or drill bit in it to make the surface slick so the soft alum, brass, copper and lead will not stick to the cutting surfaces, this works for files too.
Last edited by harry strasil; 12-30-2009 at 7:25 PM.
Jr.
Hand tools are very modern- they are all cordless
NORMAL is just a setting on the washing machine.
Be who you are and say what you feel... because those that matter... don't mind...and those that mind...don't matter!
By Hammer and Hand All Arts Do Stand
[OP]
Member
The holes that I have to drill are 21/32" and 19/32" I think. I dont think that they are going to have hole saws in that size. Only two holes!!!!
Chuck
In Memoriam
just drill 5/8 and 1/2 and cut a slot in the end of a dowel long ways and slip in a strip of sandpaper and wrap around the dowel to enlarge the holes. spin it in ur hand drill.
Hand tools are very modern- they are all cordless
NORMAL is just a setting on the washing machine.
Be who you are and say what you feel... because those that matter... don't mind...and those that mind...don't matter!
By Hammer and Hand All Arts Do Stand
Contributor
Are you drilling the center hole?
Never, under any circumstances, consume a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night
[OP]
Member
No.. I am drilling the holes to mount the router to the plate and also the height adjustment hole as well as the arbor(??) lock. It is a Freud FT3000VCE. I am using my old plate as my template. And the holes need to be 19/32" and 25/32". Not the 21/32".
In Memoriam
My mind just clicked, one of those multi step drill bits will do what you want, you just need to drill from both sides, it will even give you a slight chamfer if you watch your depth.
Hand tools are very modern- they are all cordless
NORMAL is just a setting on the washing machine.
Be who you are and say what you feel... because those that matter... don't mind...and those that mind...don't matter!
By Hammer and Hand All Arts Do Stand
[OP]
Member
The problem is that the only drill bits that I have that are big enough are forstners.. I read on a CNC forum that you could use forstners for aluminum.. I was just seeing what you guys thought. Trying to get a hold of a neighbor that might have what I need.
Chuck
Contributor
Yes, in a PINCH your Forstners can be used to drill aluminum! The operation MUST be done in a drill press at it's slowest rpm. Use an expendible backer board beneath the aluminum so as not to drill into your DP table. Clamp the work securely and feed the bit in small increments, backing off frequently to break the chips. Use kerosene or bee's wax to lube the bit.
[/SIGPIC]Necessisity is the Mother of Invention, But If it Ain't Broke don't Fix It !!
Member
If it really has to be precise I'd scribe the exact radius; drill it out as far as I could be accurate (with whatever drill is handy); then file it down exactly to the scribe line.
[OP]
Member
Well, the neighbor had the bit that got it close enough and then I worked it with a file a little bit. I think that it turned out pretty good though. I will give it a few days and see if it sags at all. The old one is now flat a s can be when there isn't a anchor hanging from it!! Word of advice for anyone putting a Freud FT3000VCE in a router table, GET AN ALUMINUM PLATE!!!! Then you will only have to do it once. Here are some pics. They kind of , I took them with the phone.
Chuck
IMG00179.jpg IMG00180.jpg IMG00182.jpg IMG00183.jpg
Last edited by Lee Schierer; 05-17-2020 at 7:12 AM.
Contributor
I came across this old thread when searching for info on using Forstner bits to drill into aluminum. For my application, I want to drill into aluminum only around 3/16 deep and 2 inches diameter. I can't use a hole saw because I do not want to drill through. I want a clean cut and to know the location of the center, which you would get with a forstner bit in wood. I was thinking the Amana 420908 carbine tipped boring bit with spurs, the aluminum plate clamped down, very slow speed, and the use of cutting oil. I am open to what would be better a Forstner bit other than a machine shop that has technology and equipment beyond a drill press.
Contributor
Denatured alcohol works better than oil for drilling aluminum.
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