Drilling holes in eclipse backplate

[cool_hardware52]

Yeah, I should have mentioned that going to steel E8s with DIN connectors didn't help me as much as I wanted. Its better than the AL80 with the yoke converter, but not by enough.

I think its just my goddamn big head.

I don't have a drill press for this, so I'll be using a handheld -- pretty decent one as far as they go, but not a drill press. Should I use any clutch on it, or just turn down the speed?

Also, everyone was correct about it being a SS blackplate, I should have included that detail explicitly but that's why I asked about the possible rusting...

Thanks for all the information -- I think I have an idea of what I need to do now...

Dear Hugh Melon,

If your using a hand drill: Center punch, pilot drill, finish drill. The center "web" of the drill has to be essentially pushed through the material. In addition as you move toward the center of the drill the cutting speed approaches zero, i.e. the very center of the drill is not turning at all.

If you have to push the drill by hand the pilot drill will have a much smaller non cutting web.

The hole made by the pilot drill will mean that all of the finish drill will be cutting.

Clamp plate to bench.

My guess is that if your drill has a clutch adjust it to the highest setting.

Use cutting oil, (tapping fluid also works) do not use lubricating oil. The cutting fluid is primarily for cooling, not lub. If you use lubricating oil it will help the drill to slide and not cut.

Debur with a countersink if you have one. Leave the countersink turning as you pull it away from the hole.

If all else fails see
http://www.deepseasupply.com for plates that already have extra holes


Good Luck,



Tobin George