Drill bits for plastic?

reible · Post by **reible** » Tue Dec 15, 2015 4:32 pm

Back in the old days when I worked there were bits we got for drilling plastic as in Plexiglas. The tip angle is different as I recall, other wise they are or at least pretty much looked like twist drills.

In an up come project I need to drill some orange colored plexiglas, quite a few holes of a couple of sizes. The ones I'm finding online seem a tad bit expensive. Anyone know of any good/better sources?

A second question for anyone with one of those drill sharpeners, can you set different angles on them?

Ed

masonsailor2 · Post by **masonsailor2** » Tue Dec 15, 2015 4:51 pm

The very best way to drill plexi is with a plunge router if you have one. If you are drilling multiple identical pieces you can make a quick jig using a collet on the router and make quick work of it. How big are the holes ?
Paul

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Dec 15, 2015 7:27 pm

masonsailor2 wrote:The very best way to drill plexi is with a plunge router if you have one. If you are drilling multiple identical pieces you can make a quick jig using a collet on the router and make quick work of it. How big are the holes ?
Paul

I think the thickness is a potential problem with a router. Gotta keep it all cool.

S Brian · Post by **S Brian** » Tue Dec 15, 2015 7:42 pm

I used a brad point bit to drill all these holes in 1/4" Plexiglas. No chip out or any other problems. Just go slow. This is mounted on a ball bearing swivel base.

masonsailor2 · Post by **masonsailor2** » Tue Dec 15, 2015 7:55 pm

I have done extensive work with Corian, lexan and plexi and with a plunge router cooling is not an issue. Cuts like butter. The main reason to use the plunge router is if it is repetitive work. A simple jig will allow you to make quick work of it. You can use a brad point or forstner bit but just go slow and use something to keep it cool like mineral oil ( or any other liquid really).
Paul

BuckeyeDennis · Post by **BuckeyeDennis** » Tue Dec 15, 2015 9:01 pm

JPG wrote:
masonsailor2 wrote:The very best way to drill plexi is with a plunge router if you have one. If you are drilling multiple identical pieces you can make a quick jig using a collet on the router and make quick work of it. How big are the holes ?
Paul
I think the thickness is a potential problem with a router. Gotta keep it all cool.

I know next to nothing about drilling plastic. But metal-turning experts have told me that one of the secrets to really high production rates is that the heat exits with the rapidly-ejected chips, instead of propagating into the workpiece itself. In metal turning, most of the mechanical work goes into bending the chips, not cleaving them from the workpiece.

This same principle just might explain the results that masonsailor2 has seen when boring plastic a high-speed router.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Fri Dec 18, 2015 1:39 pm

Maybe this will help?

http://www.woodworkerz.com/better-drilling-in-plastics/

reible · Post by **reible** » Fri Dec 18, 2015 2:39 pm

The project I have in mind will have both 1/4" and 1/2" holes. In my case if I do the whole shooting match that would be in the order of 350 holes.

Since I have had experience with plastic cutting bits I think that is the path I would like to go. I may opt to just get those two sizes or a set depending on what I find. I have seen two different bit types for plastic bits but have only use one of them.

Since the company would buy the bits I had no idea of the cost. Now that I'm over the shock it will be just a mater of budgeting more money for them.

Since I limit what I do in the winter to much smaller projects the drilling of the small parts would be a good project. The plans I'm working with will be modified to fit my needs but it is also likely the plastic parts will remain at about 1" x 1-1/2". A drilling jig would be used since they are below safe hand held size.

I still have to locate a source of the plastic so it could be that when I get that far I will have decided on some other changes, like going from the 1/4" material they call for to 1/8" to save some on the cost.

Still very early in the planning process but I like to evaluate how I'm doing to do the job and if I have the proper tools to do it. In this case the drill bits were the sticking point so far.

I had hoped someone had found a place that has a good price and had purchased some from them, personal experience with something makes a much better review then just online shopping at places I've not experienced.

Anyway thanks all for the input.

Ed

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Dec 18, 2015 5:09 pm

Scraping cut! That would explain the router advantage.(like an end mill)

Priced 1/8" and 1/4" end mills????

dannyshamoon · Post by **dannyshamoon** » Fri Dec 18, 2015 6:43 pm

reible wrote:Back in the old days when I worked there were bits we got for drilling plastic as in Plexiglas. The tip angle is different as I recall, other wise they are or at least pretty much looked like twist drills.

In an up come project I need to drill some orange colored plexiglas, quite a few holes of a couple of sizes. The ones I'm finding online seem a tad bit expensive. Anyone know of any good/better sources?

A second question for anyone with one of those drill sharpeners, can you set different angles on them?

Ed

The best source is from an aviation supplier. Here's a link for you
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/m ... kkey=71539

Danny

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