By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more
Forum sponsored by:
Forum sponsored by Forum House Ad Zone

Drilling copper

All Topics | Latest Posts

Search for:  in Thread Title in  
Bob Perkins28/09/2012 20:51:15
249 forum posts
60 photos

I need to drill quite a few 0.8mm holes around a 70mm 2 3/4" 16 swg copper tube. Any advice on speed, coolant drill type welcome.

Thanks

Bob..

JohnF28/09/2012 22:08:06
avatar
1243 forum posts
202 photos

Hi Bob, Buy a new pack of HIGH QUALITY HSS drills -- don't economise buy a top brand e.g. dormer or similar. Speed--- probably as high as you have on your machine but not knowing what machine you have I may be wrong?

For lubricant I would use suds if you have it if not soapy water works well but clean and oil your machine after.

Another one I have read about but never tried since I read it is milk -- might be worth a try.

Good luck John

julian atkins28/09/2012 22:41:25
avatar
1285 forum posts
353 photos

gosh 0.8mm is small! i would be inclined to use a smaller drill first, and deburr on the inside after, then drill through 0.8mm. i use WD-40 or similar (paraffin alternatively) for drilling copper. there is an ideal drill angle for copper, but you wont be able to do that for a drill of that size by way of re-grinding. not too fast.. not as fast as say drilling brass that size.

good luck!

cheers,

julian

DMB28/09/2012 22:48:53
1585 forum posts
1 photos

If you use milk, you need to have a good clean up - nice to drink cold but out of date, rank + stinking!

I think even a small amount left on machine will probably stink.

I have used (not for copper) excess oil drained from tinned sardines but that goes very smelly fishy pong. Live + learn!

good luck,

John

Clive Hartland28/09/2012 23:05:47
avatar
2929 forum posts
41 photos

Lard is good, will be easy to clean off as well.

Clive

Bob Perkins29/09/2012 07:03:26
249 forum posts
60 photos

Would a two flute end mill or PCB type drill with a larger shank be more suitable?

All Topics | Latest Posts

Please login to post a reply.

Magazine Locator

Want the latest issue of Model Engineer or Model Engineers' Workshop? Use our magazine locator links to find your nearest stockist!

Find Model Engineer & Model Engineers' Workshop

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter and get a free digital issue.

You can unsubscribe at anytime. View our privacy policy at www.mortons.co.uk/privacy

Latest Forum Posts
Support Our Partners
cowells
Sarik
MERIDIENNE EXHIBITIONS LTD
Subscription Offer

Latest "For Sale" Ads
Latest "Wanted" Ads
Get In Touch!

Do you want to contact the Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop team?

You can contact us by phone, mail or email about the magazines including becoming a contributor, submitting reader's letters or making queries about articles. You can also get in touch about this website, advertising or other general issues.

Click THIS LINK for full contact details.

For subscription issues please see THIS LINK.

Digital Back Issues

Social Media online

'Like' us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
 Twitter Logo

Pin us on Pinterest

 

Donate

donate