A wonderful investment for you would be a "step drill bit" or maybe several in different size ranges. They are specifically designed for making holes in sheet metal. They cut almost perfect holes and are pretty much self de-burring. Since you will probably have lots more holes to drill before the project is done, please try one and I am sure you will be pleased. Also, they are free from the "trianglizing effect" common when using twist drills. I think you can find them on Amazon. With the hole saw, be sure that the teeth have not loaded up with metal. This happens often when using a hole saw in softer metals. Love your project and can't wait for the next installment! I am starting to play with solar systems here so I will be very anxious to see how yours works out. It has to be a lot tougher on and RV but it looks like your system is going to be great! Thanks for Sharing! Bill....
Great suggestion Bill - we even already have some step bits - we should have used those instead! Thanks for the encouragement and the tip. We are waiting for a few pieces but should be back into the electrical system very shortly.
You guys are leading me in my seated coach conversion! Nice to see different ideas! My dash has all working and matching gauges, but the old “ incandescent bulbs” had to go. Now all are bright clear LED! Our factory dash was aluminum already, but the original overlay was old and cracked.. so I removed it and replaced with carbon fiber film.. looks pretty rad
I 100% agree. For anyone watching the drill press portion of this video it is *really* important that you clamp your work piece before drilling. It is fairly common for a drill bit or hole saw to hang up in the material and become a spinning blade that can tear open your soft midsection or easily scissor of a finger off in one of the other holes as it, or a material edge crosses the edge of the drill press table.
When cutting aluminum a could of drops of transmission oil stops the teeth from clogging up with aluminum. Have you heard of uni-bits? they cut really nice holes (small Holes).
Yes! A previous commenter had suggested using some light oil to keep the hole-saw from binding - I tried it recently and sure enough - it worked like a dream! I will have a few uni-bits but they are way too small - and my drill press is probably underpowered for large ones. Thanks for the tips!
some lubrication would definately help , also a slower speed if you bench drill has one , also a stubby or center drill would help on getting holes piloted accurately.. , regards from the UK sorry the comment is a bit late but I am binge watching your journey..
Before sending anything else out to have it anodized check out these video links. th-cam.com/video/MMdb0nhTE4A/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/P8oesBi7_II/w-d-xo.html
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candle wax works wonders drilling aluminum cutting tapping etc....
Someone had suggested this a while ago and it is like magic! I wish I knew about it when I made these.
A wonderful investment for you would be a "step drill bit" or maybe several in different size ranges. They are specifically designed for making holes in sheet metal. They cut almost perfect holes and are pretty much self de-burring. Since you will probably have lots more holes to drill before the project is done, please try one and I am sure you will be pleased. Also, they are free from the "trianglizing effect" common when using twist drills. I think you can find them on Amazon.
With the hole saw, be sure that the teeth have not loaded up with metal. This happens often when using a hole saw in softer metals.
Love your project and can't wait for the next installment! I am starting to play with solar systems here so I will be very anxious to see how yours works out. It has to be a lot tougher on and RV but it looks like your system is going to be great! Thanks for Sharing!
Bill....
Great suggestion Bill - we even already have some step bits - we should have used those instead! Thanks for the encouragement and the tip. We are waiting for a few pieces but should be back into the electrical system very shortly.
I like how you're splitting this project up into small, "bite-sized" pieces.
Looking forward to seeing it finished and in place!
We are trying to find the right balance - thanks for the encouragement!
You guys are leading me in my seated coach conversion! Nice to see different ideas! My dash has all working and matching gauges, but the old “ incandescent bulbs” had to go. Now all are bright clear LED! Our factory dash was aluminum already, but the original overlay was old and cracked.. so I removed it and replaced with carbon fiber film.. looks pretty rad
Very cool! Can't wait to see how your bus turns out!
A few drops of oil makes the cutting easier and the bits last longer.
Yes - I will try this next time. Thank you.
+Beginning from this Morning Specifically aluminum cutting fluid.
I will look that up - thank you!
You go girl!!!
You do really nice work keep up the great job
Thank you Glenn
The panel is looking very nice. If you ever do something like this again please clamp the work piece and wear gloves.
Agree with the clamp comment for sure, but I personally don't wear gloves (or long sleeves) around any rotating machinery, even a drill press.
I 100% agree. For anyone watching the drill press portion of this video it is *really* important that you clamp your work piece before drilling. It is fairly common for a drill bit or hole saw to hang up in the material and become a spinning blade that can tear open your soft midsection or easily scissor of a finger off in one of the other holes as it, or a material edge crosses the edge of the drill press table.
Never wear glove near a machine. That’s how you rip your hand off. But a calm would be a little bit safer.
When cutting aluminum a could of drops of transmission oil stops the teeth from clogging up with aluminum. Have you heard of uni-bits? they cut really nice holes (small Holes).
Yes! A previous commenter had suggested using some light oil to keep the hole-saw from binding - I tried it recently and sure enough - it worked like a dream! I will have a few uni-bits but they are way too small - and my drill press is probably underpowered for large ones. Thanks for the tips!
I'm catching up, so maybe my comments will be more time relevant. Glenn Lever
some lubrication would definately help , also a slower speed if you bench drill has one , also a stubby or center drill would help on getting holes piloted accurately.. , regards from the UK sorry the comment is a bit late but I am binge watching your journey..
Yes a little bit of oil on my next round of drilling made all the difference in the world. Thanks for following along.
Before sending anything else out to have it anodized check out these video links.
th-cam.com/video/MMdb0nhTE4A/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/P8oesBi7_II/w-d-xo.html
Show him how it's done Michelle!! Nice work guys. Would like to hear how the finish came out on the anodize. Thanks!
its all looking good guys :)
Machine Turning would have looked nice
No lube on the hole saw is your problem