Drilling Lucite

[NSN]

Over the years I have had many occasions to drill Lucite or similar materials. No problem drilling small holes in the material (1/8" to

1/4") when in my drill press where I can drill slowly. However, when I drill the material and it is free standing, I have much trouble with the drill bit "grabbing" the material and causing small fractures. The bits I have been using are just the ordinary HSS. I have a project coming up where I will be drilling many 3/32" holes in an acrylic computer case. It appears that I will not be able to use my drill press. Any suggestions as to technique or drill bits?

Thanks.

Norm

Norman S. Nadel, M.D. Retired, Chief Urology Kaiser

[barbarow]

It would be hard to "step drill if the final opening is 3/32 ; however. You might want to try using small pointed soldering iron or even heating a finishing nail and melting a hole in the plastic then trim with a razor blade.

[NSN]

In regards to my question, I do believe I was in error with the 3/32" measurement. The holes will end up being between 1/8" & 1/4". I am not sure at this time since I have not as yet received the case and some of the components.

Norm

[Rick]

3/32"

If you have a grinder, you can regrind the point angle for drilling plastics. I can't recall offhand what the angle is. You can easily find that on Google, or ask at rec.crafts.metalworking

[NSN]

I would rather purchase the correct drill bit rather than play around with one of my good drill bits. Thanks .....

[Luke]

down to "Drilling"]

For bits, see:

[Jeff]

Key is to keep plastic from melting. Do drilling under water. Put workpiece in a tray with water in it. Add a little hand dish washing detergent helps to cut surface tension. Play around for best drill speed.

[toller]

Interestingly I just had an unpleasant experience drilling lucite this morning. It grabbed like crazy and shattered the plastic repeatedly. I tried different drill speeds, but nothing worked.

When I drilled partly from one side and then completed the hole from the other, I got through without mishap. It still grabbed, but maybe a quarter as much as all from one side. I think that if I had gotten my allignment perfect, it wouldn't have grabbed at all, but I wasn't that lucky.

The other surprise was how easily it cut on the table saw.

[Richard J Kinch]

Sharp tools. Rigid holding. Proper feed and speed. End of story.

[NSN]

Thanks to all who responded. After reading all the responses I conducted a few appropriate Googles and found:

I ordered a few of the top two items ... Diamond Dust Drills & Plas-Drills.

I shall report back to the group on how they work out in about 2 weeks.

Norm