Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Largest Manufacturing Technology Community on the Web
Stay Connected:
What is the best machine to drill round bottom holes in aluminum plate?
- Thread starter DaddioAZ
- Start date
- Replies 12
- Views 1,356
Gobo
Titanium
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2013
- Location
- Oregon, USA
I think you will need to be a bit more specific.
CORONA VIRUS
Banned
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2020
I would get an HP Laptop with a g771 spinner. Don't forget the aerial option. You will need it.
Oldwrench
Titanium
- Joined
- May 21, 2009
- Location
- Wyoming, USA
There's a guy on here with an inexpensive machine tool who funded its development thru Kickstarter. Ask if it will drill round-bottom holes.
Be sure to point out that accuracy is unimportant; you may be able to cut a smokin' deal.
michiganbuck
Diamond
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Location
- Mt Clemens, Michigan 48035
if the part fits on the table you can pick up used a CMC mill from about $2,000 to $20,000.
If the part is small you might make a hole template to punch spot the holes and run the job on a $100 drill press.
If the part is small you might make a hole template to punch spot the holes and run the job on a $100 drill press.
Hardplates
Stainless
- Joined
- May 8, 2019
- Location
- What once was a free country
Whats wrong with that machine?
https://www.practicalmachinist.com/...-axis-cnc-vertical-mill-n-374212/#post3494460
https://www.practicalmachinist.com/...-axis-cnc-vertical-mill-n-374212/#post3494460
sfriedberg
Diamond
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2010
- Location
- Oregon, USA
??? OP said thin aluminum plate, and the holes are obviously not through holes because they've still got their bottoms. So, to me, the obvious solution is any machine capable of drilling, with a custom round-end drill or a ball-nose endmill if the holes are a common diameter. Absolutely no need for CNC hole profile interpolation, just positioning and pecking.
michiganbuck
Diamond
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Location
- Mt Clemens, Michigan 48035
Agree but for the number of parts... A CNC could track around much faster with less layout. I did also add a drill press.
re: in a bunch of thin aluminum plates...how many is a bunch?
CORONA VIRUS
Banned
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2020
Keep in mind that you can still drill round holes with square drills. Plus, square drills are usually cheaper since they do not have to be turned down from square stock.
TeachMePlease
Diamond
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2014
- Location
- FL
Scottl
Diamond
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2013
- Location
- Eastern Massachusetts, USA
Depending on the size of the plates and the number of holes in each it could even be done on a drill press by making a jig with drill bushings.
Even if the OP didn't have the skills to make the jig plate it would be a simple CNC job to hire out.
Scottl
Diamond
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2013
- Location
- Eastern Massachusetts, USA
A nice round bottom invites touching.
Do it uninvited or to the wrong one and consequences can be severe.
Similar threads
