Drilling 7/32 in hole

[Crow#21957]

Is it best to drill a small holes at 1/8and then drill it bigger with the 7/32 or just drill the 7/32 ? The drill press I'm using works great and I just go slow. Thanks

 

[TDM]

I prefer to drill smaller first.

 

[2 shots]

I prefer to drill smaller first.

ditto . light touch with those small bits.. no hangin on the press handle.

 

[SDSmlf]

Start with a center drill. They are stiff and will allow you to start your hole on location.

 

[TDM]

Start with a center drill. They are stiff and will allow you to start your hole on location.
View attachment 206288

Those are nice, but I doubt many have them. I don’t.

 

[Phil Coffins]

A center drill will save you a lot of grief in the long run, they last a long time and aren’t expensive. The smaller ones are most suitable for gun work. After starting with a center drill you form a slight chamfer to slightly larger then the size you will drill to then you can go right to the size you want.

 

[SDSmlf]

Those are nice, but I doubt many have them. I don’t.

Not a fan of Harbor Freight and the junk they sell, but for just under $8 for starting a single hole, might be a deal considering the grief if you mess up. Not my first choice, but way better than sticking your tongue out while you hope your wobbling flexible drill starts on location and straight
https://www.harborfreight.com/center-drill-countersink-set-5-piece-60381.html

 

[Crow#21957]

I heard that. I've had my share of grief.

 

[TDM]

Not a fan of Harbor Freight and the junk they sell, but for just under $8 for starting a single hole, might be a deal considering the grief if you mess up.
https://www.harborfreight.com/center-drill-countersink-set-5-piece-60381.html

Did not know they could be had for that price. Ok, I’ll get some next time I’m home. Luckily, no HFs anywhere near my camp.

 

[SDSmlf]

Did not know they could be had for that price. Ok, I’ll get some next time I’m home. Luckily, no HFs anywhere near my camp.

While they may not last very long, I consider the HF offerings in any cutting tools to be an ok one time use item at best. Actually a deal if they work at all compared to freehand drilling of holes.

Wish you luck, whatever you decide.

 

[Rich44]

Starting with a drill press setup is a great choice, secure work piece if possible. Would also center drill first, a number 2 center drill would be a nice size. Drill that 1/8 pilot hole first using around 2,000 rpm in mild steel or at least 3,000 with brass or aluminum. A little cutting fluid can help. But most important above anything else do not rely on feel. Use the stop on the drill press. Drill to the stop, meaning. Set the drill stop to just start and then pull the feed handle down firmly. Turn the feed screw down .010 and pull handle firmly again. Keep repeating, you will get the rhythm and will done quickly. You got your hole and no broken drill.

 

[earlwb]

Like Rich44 stated. If you want a precision hole you use a center drill to start. Then use a undersized drill to go on through. Then you use a reamer sized for the hole you made.

 

[Jim in San Diego]

Center Drills, Carbide

https://www.mcmaster.com/center-drills/material~carbide/
McMaster-Carr is better quality than Harbor Freight in my opinion.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Always 'step up' in drill sizes ... as remember this ... the center of the drill bit does NOT cut!

 

[david w]

The first thing to do is use a center punch, then use a center drill. Your drill should be nice and sharp, too. Don't fudge on the cutting fluid!

 

[Abarnes]

Not a fan of Harbor Freight and the junk they sell, but for just under $8 for starting a single hole, might be a deal considering the grief if you mess up. Not my first choice, but way better than sticking your tongue out while you hope your wobbling flexible drill starts on location and straight
https://www.harborfreight.com/center-drill-countersink-set-5-piece-60381.html

It is also easy to call harbor freight stuff disposable when it breaks... Cause it will.

 

[The Appalachian]

It is also easy to call harbor freight stuff disposable when it breaks... Cause it will.

I've broken LOTS of expensive tools too.....

Knowing what is sensible to buy at HF, and what is not, is knowing tools. Plenty of good stuff there if you possess a working mechanical aptitude.

Buying expensive stuff just to own an expensive name stamped on it isn't exactly sensible.

 

[david w]

I've broken LOTS of expensive tools too.....

Knowing what is sensible to buy at HF, and what is not, is knowing tools. Plenty of good stuff there if you possess a working mechanical aptitude.

Buying expensive stuff just to own an expensive name stamped on it isn't exactly sensible.

Yes, there are tools I would buy at HF, and there I would leave on the shelf. I had a job that occasionally required cutting locks. Sometimes, our own company locks. I forget how much I paid, but it was really cheap, and did the job well.

 

[flconch53]

Amazon has sets of 7 for under $20. Indidual center drill for under $5. I have a small machine shop and I buy most of my disposal tools from them. No shipping if you are a prime member

 

[S.Kenton]

A lot of Harbor Freights stuff now has lifetime warranty… not all of it does, but more than I expected.