Drill Press

[Upnxwood16]

So I have discovered that when drilling the aluminum that my drill press is not as accurate as I am.


The process that I have been using is to center punch -> spotting drill bit -> drill bit. The spotting drill has really improved the accuracy of the hole. Just passing on some things that I have learned while building this machine.

[jckstrthmghty]

So I have discovered that when drilling the aluminum that my drill press is not as accurate as I am.


The process that I have been using is to center punch -> spotting drill bit -> drill bit. The spotting drill has really improved the accuracy of the hole. Just passing on some things that I have learned while building this machine.

Are using a center punch for the drill press as well? This is most certainly a step everyone should do for drilling any metal whether they use a drill press or not. Same goes for your spotting hole.

[Upnxwood16]

Yes I was center punching. After doing just that and drilling, I was getting .04 to .07" variance in the holes. So I used a spotting drill after the center punch and getting .004" between all the holes now.

Was just sharing my experience as this is my first time dealing with metals.

Are using a center punch for the drill press as well? This is most certainly a step everyone should do for drilling any metal whether they use a drill press or not. Same goes for your spotting hole.

[jckstrthmghty]

Ah I misunderstood the post. Thanks for the clarifcation.

[mlmcquiggjr]

Here is a link for a valuable tool I used for my Momus build.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...,42311&p=45502

[Upnxwood16]

Here is a link for a valuable tool I used for my Momus build.
Veritas® Optical Center Punch - Lee Valley Tools

That looks like a nice tool. Something that I will have to keep in mind.

[GENE3492]

I also used a Lee Valley centre punch. An incredibly handy layout tool.