MOTM

> From: Tkacs, Ken <ken.tkacs@...>
> You can also get a drill-press-like stand that holds
> a hand drill which is much better than holding a drill
> by hand for detailed work like this.

I have one of these.  Not as good as a drill press, but much easier than
hand drilling.

> Best of course is a real drill press (you can get a
> tabletop model with 8" adjustable, tilt-able table 
> for under $100 these days).

I agree.  My drill holder was a gift.  I would prefer the drill press.

> When drilling into metal, it's always a good idea to
> put a drop of oil at the drill point. This keeps the 
> bit from overheating and also minimizes little bits
> of metal flying around (they tend to get suspended
> in the goopy oil). Always wear safety glasses.
> 
> Once drilled, you may need to file the flash away
> from the hole with a rat-tail file. The washers and 
> knobs will hide any paint that gets lifted
> away at the hole's edge.

Lots of good tips Ken.  Here are a couple more.

Remember, high drill speeds are for wood.  Metal drill best at lower
speeds.  And, if the idea of a file turns you off (like it does me), you
can clean up the edges very nicely by taking a larger bit than the hole
(1&1/2  to 2 times the size of the hole) and just touch it to the hole on
both sides with the drill turning slowly.  This will give you a nice
beveled edge.

Larry (I've drilled a lot of holes in this stuff) Hendry