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Thread: Cutting oil

  1. #1
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    Cutting oil

    I'm about to start drilling and riveting my aluminum panels. I've seen kits include a hundred 1/8 drill bits which indicates to me that you would not use cutting oil. Is there a reason not to use oil ?
    Dave

  2. #2

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    Other than the mess there no reason not to. I have built nearly 60 kits and have never felt the need to use oil.
    Mike

  3. #3
    Senior Member edwardb's Avatar
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    I go through maybe 5-6 during a complete build. Sometimes they break. Sometimes they just get dull and stop cutting. No oil. One hundred bits would be crazy...
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  4. #4
    Senior Member ram_g's Avatar
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    Dunno about a hundred, but also pretty amazed that Paul has only broken 5-6 during a build! I've broken or thrown out way more than that during my one build - maybe 20 or 30?

    I used cutting oil only in a few unusually difficult situations, not the vast majority of the holes.
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  5. #5

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    Cutting oil keeps the bit cool, lubricates the flutes, clears chips faster, and makes for a cleaner hole. When I did all my panels, I put a small amount in the cap, and dipped the end of the bit in to that. It doesn't make much of a mess, because you're only using a tiny drop.

    I also suggest buying a Drill Dr. The ability to sharpen bits often will really make your life a lot easier. It's a small investment with a huge return.

    I only used 1-2 #30 drill bits during the build. And I'm still using one of those bits now. I think I lost the other one.
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  6. #6
    Curmudgeon mikeinatlanta's Avatar
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    I use a product similar to this. Once the bit is warm it will melt a perfect amount on the tip. One tub will last many years. I've have mine over 20.
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  7. #7
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    +1 on Mike's paste. It is also a bit cleaner than cutting oil, although just dipping the bit in a bit of oil (as Bob describes above) is far cleaner than spraying the area to be drilled or spraying the drill bit itself.

    I only used 3 or 4 bits, mostly because I broke them, with only one becoming unserviceable due to becoming dull. I found a five pack of Bosch bits on Amazon for only a few dollars, and they have worked very well.

    Best of luck as you get started!

    Regards,

    Steve

  8. #8
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    Thanks guys !

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