How To Drill A Hole In Sheet Metal

Drill a small pilot hole in the required location 3mmø with the drill spindle stopped locate the folded cloth centrally over the hole and fit the large diameter drill to the machine no need to use further pilot holes if you use the correct speeds and feeds.

How to drill a hole in sheet metal.

In general it s a good idea to drill through metal using as slow a speed as possible using a drill bit for metal. It s not as effective but much simpler. Never ever hold a sheet metal workpiece in your hands when drilling and always. You could also make a small dent using a hammer and.

Using a black marker pen mark where you want to start drilling. Your first step should always be to locate the centers of all the holes you will need to. The scallop you see on the right side of the drill in these views is the relief angle that must be. To 3 16 in you can drill through most metals at 3 000 rpm.

When drilling thin sheet metal clamp the metal over a piece of sacrificial plywood or other flat sheet good like mdf or particleboard to help prevent the bit from tearing up the hole. The pilot hole will help you positioning the drill bit and than just drill as usual. Always use a clamp or three. Twist drills are great.

The cloth prevents the drill bit to dig into the metal without the need of changing the rake angle. A point at the end of the drill to place in your center punch mark to start. Now drill the final hole at the desired diameter with the corresponding twisted drill bit but put a cloth between the bit and the metal. Make a dimple drill bits can be reluctant about metal.

Since this is a small hole a normal drill bit will work well in the sheet metal without extra precautions. Hard metals like steel and larger drill bits require even slower speeds. With a small twist bit 1 16 in. How to drill a hole in metal with a rotary drill kit this process is just like piercing a hole in metal.

For the cleanest hole clamp a second piece on top of the metal making a sacrificial sandwich.