What is the best drill bit to drill through aluminum?
Aluminum is a soft metal and therefore a standard HSS drill bit will be able to drill into it. However because of the low melting point of aluminium a better choice would be to use a cobalt drill bit. The cobalt drill bit will dissipate heat quicker and ultimately assist in reducing heat build up.
What size drill bit do I need for a 5mm hole?
| Drill Bit Hole Diameters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Metric Size | Fractional Size | |
| .5 mm | .0197 | 5/64 |
| .6 mm | .0238 | 3/32 |
| .7 mm | .0276 | 7/64 |
Can you cut aluminum with a drill?
“Aluminum is a generally soft, nonferrous, ductile material with low density and naturally high resistance to corrosion. Aluminum is difficult to drill because its ductility and softness causes the material to make constant prolonged contact with the rake face, or cutting edges, of a drill.”
What speed should aluminum be drilled at?
200-300
Recommended Speeds for Standard Materials with H.S.S. Drills
| Material | Recommended Speed (SFM) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum and its Alloys | 200-300 |
| Brass and Bronze (Ordinary) | 150-300 |
| Bronze (High Tensile) | 70-150 |
| Die Casting (Zinc Base) | 300-400 |
What cutting fluid should be used when drilling aluminum?
Tap Magic Aluminum is the cutting fluid of choice for any work on aluminum, brass, copper, and other soft metals. Unlike some other fluids on soft metals, it will not stain the surface of the work. Precision is always excellent and the finish is always superb.
How do you screw into aluminum?
What screws can I use with aluminum? Sheet metal screws, also called self-tapping screws, are a good choice. They are used to fasten many kinds of metals together, including aluminum.
What size drill bit is 6 mm?
Metric Tap and Drill Bit Size Table
| Tap | Metric Drill | US Drill |
|---|---|---|
| 5mm x 0.8 | 4.3mm | – |
| 6mm x 1.0 | 5.2mm | – |
| 7mm x 1.0 | 6.1mm | 15/64″ |
| 8mm x 1.25 | 6.9mm | 17/64″ |
Do you need oil to drill aluminum?
Lubricated Bits Last Longer Lubricating the bit reduces friction and heat buildup, which makes drilling easier and your bits last longer. For easier-to-drill metals like aluminum, brass or cast iron, lubrication isn’t usually necessary.
Do you use oil when drilling aluminum?
For drilling holes in steel that’s 1/8 in. or thicker, use cutting fluid or a multipurpose oil like 3-IN-ONE. Lubricating the bit reduces friction and heat buildup, which makes drilling easier and your bits last longer. For easier-to-drill metals like aluminum, brass or cast iron, lubrication isn’t usually necessary.