[sdiy] Machining aluminum, part deux

[Tony Clark]

   Hi List,

   Just some thoughts on machining aluminum...

   There are some things you can do to make it go a little easier.  
First, depending on the size of the hole you may want to adjust the speed 
of the drill.  The smaller the hole, the faster the drill should be 
turning.  The reason to do this is to keep the size of the shavings down 
to a size that is appropriate for the bit.
   Of course it's not a good idea to run things too fast because you'll 
generate too much heat from friction!  This is typically why people burn 
out bits working with harder metals such as steel.

   Also, to make clean cuts, buy a lubricant called "Tap Magic".  This 
stuff is brilliant for working with aluminum.  It keeps the holes 
practically burr free (burrs being the #1 annoyance with me) and also 
will keep your bits from getting clogged with aluminum shavings.

   Cheers,

   Tony

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