Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Drilling Brass Details

733 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2023
  • 11 posts
Drilling Brass Details
Posted by Ezrails on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 4:55 PM

I need to drill out the lights on some brass diesel engine shells.  I have cobalt drills.  What speed do I use for a 1/16 in bit?  And how do I determine the speed the drill is running.

any, and all, help is greatly appreciated.  I don't want to damage these shells if possible.

RicZ

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • 1,950 posts
Posted by NVSRR on Thursday, February 23, 2023 3:56 PM

Start with a 3/32 bit.  drill the pilot hole through the center. then see how centered you are. either use the 1/16 to finish it or a file to finish it.  and use a pin vise    a little slower but controls the speed better.  Cobolts are very aggressive in a soft material like bras.  high speed still isnt as agressive  and a better choice.   cobalts are for hard metals. not really soft metals like brass. 

shane

A pessimist sees a dark tunnel

An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel

A realist sees a frieght train

An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:34 PM

NVSRR
either use the 1/16 to finish it or a file to finish it. and use a pin vise a little slower but controls the speed better.

I agree with the suggestion to begin by using a pin vise, as it allows better control to keep the drill bit from wandering.

Wayne

Moderator
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,249 posts
Posted by tstage on Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:34 PM

Ric,

Personally, I would drill them out by hand with a pin vise for better control.  It also depends what gauge wire you plan on using.

I use 34 AWG (0.007" OD) magent wire for illuminating my headlamps so a #78 drill bit is large enough to pass both wires through side-by-side and keep them as unobtrusive visually as possible.

Are you using incandescent or LED bulbs?

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!