"ATP*" wrote in
:


"Doug White" wrote in message
.. .
I need to drill a clearance hole for a #8 bolt (0.165" dia) through ~
1
1/4" of 6061-T6 aluminum. The first half is well inside the
material, but the last 3/4" needs to be close to one outside wall of
the material.

I know that if I go too close to the wall, the material can give a
little, and the drill bit will drift towards the outside wall. What
I don't know is how close "close" is, and any techniques to minimize
the drift. A carbide drill bit will help, but I don't have time to
go shopping.

I was thinking 1/16" of an inch of material between the wall of the
hole & the outside wall of the block would support the drill
reasonably well. If I could go thinner, that would be good. I figure
a 1/32" is probably asking for trouble.

I can also clamp the offending wall in a vice when I drill, so the
metal will be supported. I don't want to risk drilling into the side
of my vice, so I will use a block of something less expensive. I
figure steel will provide even more support than additional aluminum,
except that the interface won't be perfect.

Another thought was to drill a smaller pilot hole that would be
better supported by the material, and then finish with the final
clearance drill which should follow the pilot hole. If this is
prudent, how small a pilot drill? Bigger would be stiffer & less
prone to drift, but thinner keeps it away from the hole (& is
therefore less prone to drift).

For example, if I drill a 0.100" inch hole with a 1/16" wall
thickness, and I follow up with the #8 clearance drill, I will have ~
1/32" wall left, but the first hole should be well supported &
straight, and then guide the final drill pretty well.

This isn't a super critical application, but it brings up an
interesting machining/design problem that I'd love to hear the groups
thoughts on.

Thanks!

Doug White

Do you have a mill?

Yes, so I can drill reasonably precisely, with the work clamped & located
well.

Doug White