[sdiy] Machining aluminum, part deux

[Kenneth Martinez]

> I think this might prematurely wear your bits.  I realize that aluminum is
> fairly soft, but heat is the number one killer of drill bits.  I'd still
> use perhaps an 1/8" or 3/16" pilot hole before going to the full sized
> hole... it just has the bit doing a little less work, and stays cooler.

I was drilling quite slowly, and checked the bits as I went (turning the drill
off first!) to make sure they weren't heating up much; and there was a pause
between each hole as I repositioned the panel.  I didn't feel a need to rush
with the drill press - with the panel clamped in place and everything lined up,
it was much more comfortable for me than hand-drilling.  Each time I checked
the bits felt warm but not hot - that's probably fine, right?