How do I drill Gelcoat without cracks
#15
Registered
Holy Holes Captain.
#16
Registered
Take the drill bit you want to use to a local machine shop and ask if they can sharpen it "for brass". They'll know what to do. If you have a bench grinder and are at least somewhat handy with it, try it yourself. See
Thanks. Brad.
Model Machine and Precision LLC
(937)545-8991
The following 3 users liked this post by Brad Christy:
#17
Registered
I would say your bit is a hair too small, and thus will encourage cracking or chipping. I recommend an 11/64–it will be plenty snug, with no danger of twisting off the head. I simply cover the area with some blue painters tape, and don’t put too much pressure on the drill, because you don’t want it to grab. I’ve installed tons of #10 screws that way with no cracking, but also no other special procedures (although I’m sure they may be effective). If you’re going to thru-bolt a #10, use a 3/16 bit. As others have pointed out, thru-bolting is always better if you can reach the backside without too much trouble.