drilling through 1" acrylic rod over 8"lenth

[jstwinbaby]

Im attemtpting to drill a 21/64(.3281) hole through 1" diameter solid acrylic rod which is normally not an issue, but the rod is 8" in length.
Any ideas on getting a clean cut

[steve323]

Mount the rod in a lathe with the drill bit stationary. The rotating rod will keep pushing the drill bit towards the center, keeping it aligned. You might want to drill 4" in from each end.

I am not a machinist, but think it will work.

[vulcom1]

How long is your drill bit. If it is 4" long you have to start at each end but you have to make sure you are on centre. With most 3 jaws they are out a touch and that will give you a problem. It should stay in the centre but I have had some holes go off centre and over size on long drilling. I would start with a smaller drill and ream it for the finish if you have to be accurate.
John

[HapSmo19]

Originally Posted by steve323 I am not a machinist, but think it will work.

Let me guess......you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.