"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
...
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?
Ta.


pull the drill and swarf out and try again.

The soft swarf clogs it,.

Lubrication and a low drill speed works best.

From my apprentice days I seem to recall that Turpentine was the recommended
lubricant for lead. Paraffin would also probably work - I always used that
for machining aluminium.


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John