Tool advice please?

roger 2006 yeah

What would you recommend for drilling/cutting equipment for the use in small electrical devices, ie drilling 3/4 mm holes in metal plates with precision, like this pic;

Alun

If you want clean edged, perfectly round holes of that size in sheet metal, you're probably looking at so-called hole cutters, sometimes called hole-punches (even though that's a bit of a misnomer, since there's no 'punching' involved).

You drill a pilot hole first, put the appropriate sized cutter, which is on a threaded rod, through the hole, place a nut on the thread and then tighten it up. The tightening action draws the cutter tighter against the sheet metal and the cutter then cuts through the metal leaving a nice clean hole.

You're looking at a maximum material thickness of a couple of mm for these kinds of tools. Should be able to get a set from somewhere like McQuillans I would think?

JohnBoy

for 3/4 mm holes?

can't imagine you'd get such a device.

if you want clean round holes you need good bits and a steady drill, and generally a nice slow speed on the bit.

a drill press is ideal, but to get an accurate one is gonna cost you i would say upwards of 200 euro, but it's gonna be quite big then.

i'd say a good cordless and sharp bits is your best bet

and a quick shot of a centre punch to mark the hole will keep the bit centred

GreeBo

A lot of the PC case modders use Dremmels to cut out shapes/holes in their cases...

roger 2006 yeah

Thanks lads, I went and bought a Rotary Hobby Multi Tool 135W With Standard Accessories, Boxed with Guarantee - €39 on eBay.

Ideal for Small or Intricate Work Such As Grinding, Engraving, Cutting, Polishing etc.

135W motor - 230/240v
Electronic control variable speed 10 - 33,000 RPM
Standard accessories include mandrels, cutters, bits, sanding bands & discs, grinding stones, polishing wheels, wire wheels etc. and carry case
Guarantee...
Manufacturer guarantees this tool to be free of defects caused by faulty materials or workmanship for 3 years. Naturally fair wear and tear is not covered.

Head The Wall

I use these Uni Bits but don't know if they are available in Ireland. The brands I know of are Klein Tools and Irwin. Hope this helps

Alun

JohnBoy wrote:

for 3/4 mm holes?

can't imagine you'd get such a device.

Oops ... for some reason I read 3/4 inch holes ... !! Must get that eye test sometime soon

Anyway, for drilling small holes like that, what you've got is fine, but I'd invest in a mini drill press for it to avoid the drill bit wandering, and also try and keep the drill bit extending from the chuck as little as possible. A 3/4mm drill bit is awfully fragile.