91 - Planer Stand, страница 34
PROJECT TechniqueA few simple tools and techniques make it easy to get great results with aluminum. Drilling. When you're drilling in aluminum (or other metals), the bit has a tendency to grab the work-piece. If the piece isn't securely clamped to your drill press table, it can spin around like an airplane propeller. Or when you try to pull the drill bit out, the bit lifts the workpiece right off the table. To solve this problem, I always make sure to clamp the work-piece down securely. In the photo at left, you can see a jig I made for this purpose. It not only keeps the workpiece from spinning, but the rabbeted blocks also hold the workpiece firmly against the base. Cooling Off. One problem you can run into when working with aluminum is heat. Friction from drilling, cutting, and tapping threads can heat up cutting tools in a hurry. And heat is hard on tools. So if I'm going to be drilling a lot ShopNotes No. 91 you might want to know to make it easier to cut, drill, tap, and rivet aluminum for a professional look. Hole Layout. One of the most common operations you do when working with aluminum is drilling holes. But before you can do that, you need to locate them. I use a scratch awl or metal scribe to mark the centerpoint. This way, you'll get a fine line that won't smudge. Once you've laid out the location, a spring-loaded center punch is the tool to reach for. (It's the tool on top of the metal file in the photo above.) When you press on it, the spring makes the punch "snap," putting a small dimple in the aluminum. This gives the drill bit a good starting point and keeps it from wandering as you start to drill the hole. A lot of woodworking projects also require working with metals like aluminum. As a matter of fact, working with aluminum is a lot like working with wood. And you probably already have a lot of the tools you need in your shop. But there are a couple of things k Drilling. Secure clamping and lubrication (inset photo) are keys to drilling clean, accurate holes. 34 |
