Lightening Holes
09-01-2006, 11:39 PM
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RE: Lightening Holes
I use Forstner bits in a drill press. They cut clean holes, even at an angle. To eliminate tear out on bottom of stock, drill through from top until center point of bit slightly protrudes from bottom of stock. Then flip the work piece over and finish hole, using center point hole for alignment.
09-02-2006, 04:24 PM
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RE: Lightening Holes
Hey,
Thanks for the info!! Ive tried alloy tubing before, and made little teeth on it, but it only seem to do bout 2mm sheeting or less. But i did do it by hand. Does sharpened brass in a drill press work well??
Ive also used the hole drills that DT56 uses, but it always teared the balasa, but im pretty sure that the drill is blunt, so ill buy a new one and try it.
Cheers
Thanks for the info!! Ive tried alloy tubing before, and made little teeth on it, but it only seem to do bout 2mm sheeting or less. But i did do it by hand. Does sharpened brass in a drill press work well??
Ive also used the hole drills that DT56 uses, but it always teared the balasa, but im pretty sure that the drill is blunt, so ill buy a new one and try it.
Cheers
09-02-2006, 08:03 PM
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RE: Lightening Holes
I tried the Forstner bit and even new they are not sharp enough to do a nice job on softer balsa. YMMV depending on the density of the wood of course. And you'll find that drill from different suppliers are going to make a big difference due to the sharpness they come with.
I've done it with sharpened brass tubing and also just hogged it out with s smaller twist drill and then used a sanding drum in a dremel to enlarge it.
I've done it with sharpened brass tubing and also just hogged it out with s smaller twist drill and then used a sanding drum in a dremel to enlarge it.
09-03-2006, 06:46 AM
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RE: Lightening Holes
Just a tip for those user Forsner Bits... Keep the rotational speed down below 1250 RPM's... If you run them at higher RPMs it will increase tearout and ugly holes...
Good Luck!
Hibrass
Good Luck!
Hibrass
09-03-2006, 02:33 PM
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RE: Lightening Holes
well depending on what size hole you are trying to drill, but if it is not to large I use sharpened brass tubing cut about 1/4 of an inch longen than a drill bit that will fit in side it. Then as the brass tubing cuts through the balsa the drill bit inside removes the center material so you can just suck up the balsa chips afterwards and you do not have to dig out the balsa plugs inside the hollow tubing. I use this techique to drill for robart hinge points and it works awesome!
