Drilling a Hole in Aluminum

[Tomcat104]

First time cutting aluminum.

I need to drill/cut 6 holes in a 1" x 1" aluminum (6061) bar.

Smallest hole is 0.375" in diameter & largest is 0.500". What type of bit would you guys recommend and what speed & plunge rate would you suggest I start with?

Hope for some suggestions before I start making metal shavings?

I was going to use WD-40 as my coolant, think that would be okay?

David

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[Jim Dawson]

In a CNC machine I would use a 5/16 end mill and spiral drill, that way you can do the whole job without a tool change. Or, use a G73 or G83 peck drill cycle about 1/8 inch per peck. In aluminum the G83 is probably the best because of the full retract. 135° split point drill is my favorite, about 5 IPM, 300 - 400ish RPM. WD40 is a good choice.

[RCaffin]

0.5" is getting up in size. If your machine is not of the heavy persuasion, spiral milling might be best.

Cheers
Roger