Grumps wrote:
Hi
I need to drill 1.5 - 2.0mm diameter holes to a depth of about 8mm in very
soft alloys / lead.
Using a small model maker's drill of unknown rpm only seems to get to about
2mm easily. The workpiece warms up (actually, quite hot) and it seems that
drilling stops.
Is there a technique for drilling this type of material? High rpm or slow?


I suspect your drill is simply getting clogged and so is unable to cut
any further in. The trick with soft materials, especially something like
lead, is a very slow drill speed, and I mean really slow. Drill a little
way in, and lift up to allow swarf removal. Repeat a few times until
you're at the required depth.


--
Grunff
http://www.greendoug.com - a forum for all things environmental