Drill bit for polycarbonate sheet

Robin · 2018-10-22T10:37:23+00:00

I've a need coming up to drill a dozen or so holes for screws in 2mm solid polycarbonate sheet - say 6mm holes for 4mm screws. But what drill bit should I use? Suggestions based on experience would be especially welcome as the internet has already given me a confusion of advice. Some sites suggest special drill bits for plastics which I wouldn't mind buying if necessary, but they don't seem available locally/cheaply. Some say that wood bits can be used - but don't say what kind of wood bit; and the Wiki[1] hints that my wood bits might not be the best thing. OTOH some say high speed metal and multimaterial work. Or that high speed should be reground - which would be an adventure I'd rather avoid. Oh, and I'd be doing this with handheld drills, not a press. [1]

Oct 22, 2018 24 Replies

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The Natural Philosopher 7 years ago

On thermoplastics use a hot pointy thing. (calm down pamela)

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Dave Plowman (News) 7 years ago

Use a good sharp pointy thing. Like a scriber. To make the location point for a small drill. Or masking tape.

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tabbypurr 7 years ago

Melting is not the problem, it's a good solution.

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DerbyBorn 7 years ago

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk:

If using an electric drill - why do so many people wiggle it around as a final flourish before withdrawing it?

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tabbypurr 7 years ago

to bend the bit of course.

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