Re: Making deep and large holes in Aluminum on 1100
Originally Posted by
Hirudin
I'm self-taught as well, and I'm using a different machine (a Novakon Torus Pro). Hopefully this will help a little...
Looks like there is a smaller hole at the end of the large hole. Maybe you could also drill that first and hook an air hose or something up to it to help blow chips out. Whenever I use an S&D bit I spray lubricant into the hole after every few pecks, are you using any kind of supplemental lubricant in addition to the FogBuster?
60-thousandth pecks might actually be a little aggressive. When I use large drills I take 0.5 mm (~20 thousandths) pecks. I picked that number because larger pecks would stall the spindle. The largest drill I can remember using was 7/8" though, I was only going ~1.75 deep, and I wasn't doing any pre-drilling. That's several changed variables, I know. :/ I figure the depth is of little consequence though when using a peck cycle, and the fact that you're using a larger drill bit suggests that an even shorter peck might be called-for, then again, with the pre-drilled hole maybe it would basically even out.
Here's a video I recorded a while ago... The first half is drilling with what I'm pretty sure is a 5/8" S&D bit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zXj7LT5Q6g
You are obviously using a Fog Buster for your spray coolant.
I use the Fog Buster as well, and I love it. I have used one for the last 10 years. When I had my real CNC shop, I had one on every machine.
The Fog Buster is fantastic for contours and surfaces, bit it sucks for drilling, tapping and deep pockets. There just isn't enough air pressure to get coolant to the bottom of the pocket and blow the chips out.
I have one on my PCNC 1100 now, and when I make contours, that's what I use for coolant.
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