Welcome! Log In Create A New Profile

Advanced

trouble with self centering hole using drill press

Posted by peddiparth 
trouble with self centering hole using drill press
September 15, 2012 10:33AM
I am unable to produce a good self centered hole using a drill press with the metal or ptfe material in the drill press and 3mm dia drill bit held in hand with pliers.
It is always off-center at the tail end. I have had this happen to every PTFE and nozzle I tried with this method.

I am trying this new technique to make sure the entry hole is parallel to the length of the cylindrical material.

Secure a wood block (4"x4" or 2"x4") to the drill press stand and drill a hole thru a it to tightly fit the material.
Secure the material to the wood block (bolts for threaded metal, pliers for ptfe), and secure the wood block to the drill press stand.

To avoid metal filings getting stuck in the threads (if using bolts to secure the metal), push a piece of paper on the metal, to sit on top of the bolt and catch metal filings.
Use a center punch to make a notch in the metal.

Mark the depth to drill on the drill bit (painters blue tape works ok for this), and center it on top of the material.
Use a 1:1 mix of oil and water (a drop or two frequently) to as coolant if drilling into metal (Al or Brass).
Drill slowly, and remove any excess metal filings (beware, they are hot).
Let the metal cool before attempting to extract it.

I hope this process is much easier using a Lathe. Are there any other techniques everyone uses with a drill press?
Re: trouble with self centering hole using drill press
September 15, 2012 05:35PM
Put the metal rod into the chuck of the drill press and the drill in a vice or a wood block below. winking smiley

Use a center drill.
Re: trouble with self centering hole using drill press
September 15, 2012 05:42PM
Yeah, you need to secure the wood block to the drill press base, and drill a hole using the same size bit you will be drilling the PTFE with.

After drilling the hole, you will need to secure the bit in the hole facing up towards the chuck. A second hole from the side and a screw can help there. Once the bit is secured, put as muh of the ptfe rod as you can, into the chuck.

Dont's overtighten the chuck, as this will distort the PTFE rod, which is comparatively soft.
Re: trouble with self centering hole using drill press
September 16, 2012 09:16PM
Using a 1x4 wood block for brass nozzle and 2x4" wood block for 1/2" PTFE gave me the most centered holes I have produced so far.
The new procedure I listed in my previous post is a success!
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login