LED build - drilling holes in angles

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George2324

Well-Known Member
I must be doing something wrong when I drill holes into aluminium angles for the screws to connect the circular heat sinks too.

I have used a sketch piece of paper of the holes on the heat sink and then used that as a guide when drilling but the drill bit slips 99% of the time and I have to push so hard with all my wieght on the drill and it takes ages for it to drill through 3mm metal.

What is the easiest way for me to drill these holes baring in mind I don't have a drill press I only have access to a normal handheld drill.

I can get a specific drill bit if that's recommended and how do you line up the holes correctly?
 
diyled

diyled

Well-Known Member
As above.

Depends how big your holes are. I use a 2mm pilot bit for most things. Then whatever size for you main bit.

Any hardware store will have good quality metal bits.
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
George2324 said:
What do you use to punch, pilot hole, and main hole?
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diyled said:
As above.

Depends how big your holes are. I use a 2mm pilot bit for most things. Then whatever size for you main bit.

Any hardware store will have good quality metal bits.
Click to expand...
i have got the best quality bits from local hardware store but they don't drill through aluminium well.

I guess I need a specific type of bit I'm just not sure on the type like a tungsten carbide, or diamond drill bit etc. I have a tungsten carbide one atm it kind of has a flat head like it's for drilling through brick and mortar and it's doing nothing to the aluminium.
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
HydoDan said:
Aluminum is very soft and easily drilled with steel bits.. Is your drill in reverse?
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Definitely not in reverse!
I understand it's soft but so far I've definitely had issues with drilling! I'll go get a center punch and see if it makes a difference
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
Airwalker16 said:
You need a punch to get a divot in the metal to start it
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A drill bit won't drill through metal without a divot?

That could be my issue, after drilling my last unit I felt like I had just done ten thousand dumbbell curls on my arms from pushing so hard on the drill for hours
 
Airwalker16

Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
George2324 said:
A drill bit won't drill through metal without a divot?

That could be my issue, after drilling my last unit I felt like I had just done ten thousand dumbbell curls on my arms from pushing so hard on the drill for hours
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It helps immensely. Pick up some other drill bits too while you're there. If it's harbor Freight you're going to, get their Titanium Nitrite bits. They do work on metal. I've drilled holes 1/2" wide through an inch thick piece of aluminum nearly all the way through 3" deep by hand with them.

P.s. the Flat Headed bits you mentioned is probably your problem. Make sure they're tipped bits. 45* angle all the way around the center. A "V" looking at it.
 
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1212ham

Well-Known Member
George2324 said:
i have got the best quality bits from local hardware store but they don't drill through aluminium well.

I guess I need a specific type of bit I'm just not sure on the type like a tungsten carbide, or diamond drill bit etc. I have a tungsten carbide one atm it kind of has a flat head like it's for drilling through brick and mortar and it's doing nothing to the aluminium.
Click to expand...
Drilling aluminum should be easy. For all the trouble your having, your drill bits must be total garbage or beyond dull.
The drill bits you need are the most common type, High Speed Steel, or HSS
A couple drops of lube really helps on deep holes. WD-40 is excellent for cutting aluminum, otherwise just use any type of oil.
The center punch is to get the drill started on target and keep it from walking or slipping. Forget the pilot hole, no way that should be needed.
 
tulow

tulow

Well-Known Member
even if you using a high speed steel bit it should not take much effort

center punch
spot drill
drill

its not that the drill wont cut without a divot, the divot helps keep the bit from walking
 
Purpsmagurps

Purpsmagurps

Well-Known Member
I just drilled it no issue. then I kept it spinning and bored out to the left and right by rotating around in a circular motion and used washers...
 
ANC

ANC

Well-Known Member
I just want to add, if you don't have one yet. spring for a drill press.
It is probably the piece of large machinery I have used most consistently over the years.
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
Airwalker16 said:
It helps immensely. Pick up some other drill bits too while you're there. If it's harbor Freight you're going to, get their Titanium Nitrite bits. They do work on metal. I've drilled holes 1/2" wide through an inch thick piece of aluminum nearly all the way through 3" deep by hand with them.

P.s. the Flat Headed bits you mentioned is probably your problem. Make sure they're tipped bits. 45* angle all the way around the center. A "V" looking at it.
Click to expand...
Must definitely be the wrong type of drill bit then.

Can you possibly send me a link to what you mean? I am struggling to find it locally.

I've found these: but they don't seem to match your description of a V angle.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Titanium-Nitride-Coated-Pieces/dp/B009RM356I
 
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George2324

Well-Known Member
ANC said:
I just want to add, if you don't have one yet. spring for a drill press.
It is probably the piece of large machinery I have used most consistently over the years.
Click to expand...
I will at some point but they are very expensive here, well I could get the cheapest one which would be the equilavent of 100$ but I'd rather wait if I can and invest in a better model maybe Christmas or something
 
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