Boring flat bottomed holes in bronze for plane...

Re: Boring flat bottomed holes in bronze for plane

don langton

>A centre cutting end mill will produce a neat, flat-bottomed hole. These cutters are normally 2-flute and called slot drills. Just check with the seller that they are centre cutting - as multi-flute cutters tend not to be. I'd be inclined to mill the hole undersize (with a smaller diameter cutter) to take out the waste, before using a (finishing) 1/2 inch cutter.

Re: Boring flat bottomed holes in bronze for plane

Luke Herzberg

>A counterbore would be the best option. You could look at McMaster Carr, MSC or somebody similar to see the different types. If a guy felt like experimenting and breaking things while believing he was saving himself some cash (the route I would end up trying), it may be possible to put a flat grind on a regular twist drill...probably would need to start the hole with a standard bit. Good luck.

- Luke

Re: Boring flat bottomed holes in bronze for plane

Bob Hackett

>A counterbore is what you`ll need.These are used to sink allen head hardware flush with the surface,among other things.You drill the hole for the bolt shank size first and the counterbore has a pilot to guide from that hole.

One small tip here.Bronze tends to be a bit"grabby"when drilling.You can prevent this by grinding small flats into the cutting face of the drill.This turns the action from cutting(and grabbing)to scraping lending more contol and a cleaner hole.

Mainely,Bob

Thanks for the suggestions!

Jonathan Kaplan (OR)

>Thanks for the suggestions and tips. I'll let you know what I decide to do and how it goes... :)

jk