How To Drill A 2 Inch Hole In Sheet Metal

Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole.

How to drill a 2 inch hole in sheet metal. Hey guys i shot this video to show you my trick to drill stainless steel. For example if you need a 1 2 inch hole use a 1 8 inch bit to start then step up 1 8 inch at a time. The pilot hole will help you positioning the drill bit and than just drill as usual. Start with a 1 8 inch hole and then next use a 1 4 inch bit to enlarge the hole.

To setup the punch first drill a pilot hole into a piece of sheet metal with a step drill bit. You can make bigger jumps in some metals but if you don t see the bit cutting into the edge of the hole the bit is too big. In case you need to drill a hole and thread it for a screw or bolt. At first locate the center of the whole.

Drill bit size inch. Click here to get free fast bids from local handymen in your town to drill your. 1 4 3 8 then 1 2. Tap and drill size chart standard tap size.

Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole. Simply sandwich the sheet metal between two pieces of wood and clamp everything down on a table or workbench. I m a field metal worker and these are my tips for drilling with limited supplies w. Finish the hole with a 3 8 inch bit.

Now drill the final hole at the desired diameter with the corresponding twisted drill bit but put a cloth between the bit and the metal. Now it s time to use that center punch. The wooden bread layers of the sandwich keep the sheet metal flat and prevent the drill bit from wandering as it bores through the sheet metal. This will create dimples in the sheet.

If you re drilling a large diameter hole say 3 8 inch or larger you ll want to drill smaller pilot holes first in the metal. Tap your hammer to leave an indentation on the sheet metal. Depending on the tools you have you ll now need to punch or drill a hole where the indentation has been made to produce an accurate hole in your sheet metal. For clean precise holes in thin sheet metal make a wood sandwich.

Since this is a small hole a normal drill bit will work well in the sheet metal without extra precautions. Put your ink to the use and mark the hole center. Place your sheet metal on your steel block and position your centre punch at a central point in your cut out design.