View Single Post
  #11   Report Post  
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
Dave__67 Dave__67 is offline
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 259
Default Drilling clean holes in thin sheet

On Apr 18, 5:49*pm, Tim Wescott wrote:
I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin
tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). *So, maybe about 10 or
15mil, with corrugations.

I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. *I
know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks
of tin -- so that's a no-go.

This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and
I've spent out the modeling budget this month. *So I'd like to be able to
do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I
don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight.

I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer
than the tank. *I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the
far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions.

--
My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook.
My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook.
Why am I not happy that they have found common ground?

Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Softwarehttp://www.wescottdesign.com


Ragged hole a bit bigger and solder in a thicker piece with a good
hole?

I'm flying electrics myself, would like a gas plane as an occasional
luxury though.