Drilling 1/4" and thicker metal with a hand drill

[NCMau]

When it is not possible to use the drill press for making a hole in thick metal, I have to use the hand drill . Even when I make a pilot hole, use lubricant and step-up bit sizes, it is sometimes hard. I remember seeing years back some sort of drill assist jig that would help applying pressure while drilling. I can not remember if it was manufactured or homemade. I tried to Google it but I can not come up with anything. (I am not talking about magnetic drills, that would be the holy grail).
It could be a simple strap applying pressure while drilling. Are you guys aware or using anything that would facilitate the hand drilling? If you do please share it.

 

[newbury]

You could take something like this and apply a few straps.wolfcraft 452544 Muilt-Angle Drill Guide Attachment for 1/4in. and 3/8in. Drills - Power Drill Bit Extensions - Amazon.com

 

[/pine]

If I can't finagle a mobile or small bench press into position I usually borrow a mag drill and use an annular cutting bit...

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Sometimes I've used a bar for leverage against the side handle.

A chain hooks onto the metal to be drilled and the pry bar.

Lay it across the side handle and press down.

Works even better if a small pipe is welder to the pry bar to slip over the side handle.

This works down and horizontal (truck frames).

For drilling up into truck frames I've used a floor jack.

Jack up about an inch (suspension travel) and let her rip.

 

[katoomed00]

How about this, it is a bit expensive. I have seen one that you mount your own drill into.

1HP 75W Electric Magnetic Drill Press 1/2" Boring, 191 LBS Force TableTop | eBay

 

[BukitCase]

Before I got my mag drill, if there was room to get BEHIND what I was drilling I'd use one of these

IRWIN QUICK-GRIP One-Handed Bar Clamp, Heavy-Duty, 24", 1964714 - Quick Clamp Spreader - Amazon.com

one pad goes behind what you're drilling, other goes behind the drill motor IN LINE with the axis - one hand holds the drill, other hand squeezes the clamp handle.

I got the mag drill before building a little "bridge" that'd mount in place of the pad to keep from drilling holes in the CLAMP... Steve

(edit) - And THEN, you hold the AIR HOSE in your TEETH, aimed at the drill bit (liquid coolants are too messy :laughing

 

[Big Barn]

I need to drill three 5/8" holes STRAIGHT through my 7" bench top to mount my vise. I didn't want to use lag bolts as the vise weighs 157 pounds.

I picked up these two drill press devices (one Craftsman the other Black and Decker) today for $5 each. I'm hoping one of them will help to keep the holes perpendicular. Something like that MAY work for you?






Otherwise as others have mentioned, it's pretty hard to beat a mag drill for steel. I only purchased mine lately, but I wish I had done it 40 years ago.



Keep in mind though you will probably need an arbor adapter and Jacobs type drill chuck for holes UNDER 7/16" as the smallest annular cutter will be around 7/16".

 

[bcp]

I picked up these two drill press devices (one Craftsman the other Black and Decker) today for $5 each. I'm hoping one of them will help to keep the holes perpendicular.

Adapt one of those so it can drill through the base, if not already able. Then clamp or ratchet strap it into position. You could make different shape bases for a job if needed. You could use a ratchet strap to apply pressure, too, as long as the drill holder keeps it at 90 degrees to the work.

Bruce

 

[Big Barn]

Drilling 1/4" and thicker metal with a hand drill

Adapt one of those so it can drill through the base, if not already able. Then clamp or ratchet strap it into position. You could make different shape bases for a job if needed.

Bruce

Bruce:

The Craftsman base already has a hole through the base that will allow my 5/8" bit to pass through. I thought for 10 bucks I'd find some alternate uses for them in the future.

Before I bought my mag drills I turned the headstock on this cheapo drill press 180 degrees and clamped it like you were suggesting.

 

[feasant]

sharpen your bits