Blank drilling Newbie question

[Paul-H]

Hi all

A Quick Newbie question.

When drilling acrylic blanks that need a largish hole, say around 12 to 13mm what the best way to drill, start small and step up to the final size in say 5 or 6 steps, or just go with the final size in one go.

Thanks for any advice with this.

Paul.

 

[Hallelujahal]

Hi Paul I’m no expert, but for that size hole I usually drill a pilot hole first before taking the plunge

 

[alpha1]

I use a spot drill to start then the recommended size drill peck at it run in a short length then pull the drill out clear the flutes then back in. Do not drill all the way through in one go.

 

[flexi]

I'm down the middle on this, it depends on the acrylic..... Some of the softer ones tend to 'melt' (soften) if you go full size so I tend to pilot and step up.... Harder acrylics I will drill in one size.... You tend to get a feel for what you can get away with....
As a rule I hate the plastic camo blanks, but love the diamond dust ones

 

[Gadget-UK]

What Mark Said

 

[Curly]

You will have to see what works for you but I advocate drilling at slow speed, a few hundred RPM at most, peck drill and cover your lathe bed and use lubricant on the bit and in the hole. A few drops of dish soap in a glass of water works well and is easy to rinse out. An eye dropper if you can find the animal, a small brush or a squirt/spray bottle work well for application. Not for hybrid blanks of course.

Pete

 

[Padster]

I go straight for it, I use a pillar drill and a homemade jig for holding the blank, with acrylic I will drill the hole instates though bringing the drill bit up around every 1/5th to 1/3rd of the blank dependent on how it's drilling.

Padster

 

[geordie0928]

You got it in one Paul, That is the way I do it, but not 5-6 steps, 2 or 3 I find it does me, So good luck it anyway.

 

[Phil Dart]

I drill a pilot hole for everything that's going to end up more than 9 or 10mm. More effort for the operator, but much less effort for the final drill bit.