How do you drill armor?

[Lordsandy]

Hi
I need to drill a 5/32 hole and thread a 10/32 screw in my side cowl armor for a stud that secures the canvas windows. Any tips? Can it be done?
Thanks
Jim

[yd328]

Jim,

I haven't done it yet but I will need to. I have some cracked armor that I would like to weld so I will drill a hole at the end of the crack. Let me know how you make out.

Gary

[Outsider]

Carbide drill bits, a mag drill and lots of cutting fluid. A mag drill works much better than a hand drill as it keeps the drill bit straight and true so it doesn't go dull or chip as fast.
And you will find tapping the hole just as much fun. Remember lots of tapping fluid on the tap as well.
Steve

[GeorgeMcKenzie]

 I make a drill press that weighs 3.5lbs will drill any where ,any position using 110v electric and cordless drills .On mild steel I can drill 1/4" in 6 seconds .I have used the same bit 50 times without sharpening it . I also have a magnetic drill that I never use any more .On armor plate get a good bit and use cutting oil.

[spec4don]

There was a thread on G503 about drilling armor. Some talked about using ceramics. Cutting speed and fluid seams to be the key. Remember the armor is only heat treated on one side. So it drills good for about an 1/8th of an inch. Then gets real hard. I have not had any success drilling my self but other people have.



Don G.