[sdiy] Machining aluminum, part deux

[Tim Ressel]

Yo,

I just machined a module panel using the method
described by yours truly. It didn't come out so good.
I didn't center punch the panel deep enough, and the
1/8" drill (which may have been a bit dull) walked on
a few holes. 

So the moral here is: Make good deep center punch
marks in the panel. Being aluminum this shouldn't be a
problem. Use a sharp drill, or a center drill if you
have one. 

Another thing: If you can manage it, buy high-quality
bits. I've has cheap bits that just were not worth a
damn. You local hardware store is guaranteed to have
cheap bits. I buy mine online from machinery outlets
like MSC Industrial or McMaster-Carr.

And the beat goes on...

--TR

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