Drill & Tap 2mm into 3mm aluminium

[Jay H]

Any ideas for the best way to drill 2mm deep into 3mm aluminium without damaging the face as all small sections are painted?

 

[Poignard]

If I understand correctly, you want to drill a hole 2mm deep into a 3mm piece of aluminium and be able to run a tap into the hole.

To achieve that, the hole must necessarily be of very small diameter and the thread very fine.

I think you need a watchmaker.

 

[Jay H]

I’ve got M3 studs to fit in the rear of these and was planning on drilling 2.5mm holes then hand screwing them in - I’ve tried a sample and it indents the face so I have no idea other than to fit them with double sided Vhb tape as they make up lots of signs.

 

[Jay H]

I’ve got a tap to give them a thread but doubt it going to work. Just thought I’d ask for an ideas on here.

 

[Seastoke]

I’ve got a tap to give them a thread but doubt it going to work. Just thought I’d ask for an ideas on here.

you dont expain very well do you have a photo or explain in more depth.

 

[Kilo]

I'm a bit lost too, sounds interesting but I'm unsure of what exactly you're trying to achieve?
What's being held to the panel by the studs?
Is there another way of achieving the same result?

 

[Kilo]

BTW, when you're drilling or tapping ali, isopropyl alcohol is by far & away the rest lubricant you can use - knocks all the specialist cutting & tapping pastes & oils into a cocked hat.

 

[penfold]

Double-sided 3M(other global adhesive manufacturers are available) foam tape will be the easiest way. Drilling and tapping 3mm sheet without affecting the outer face is not going to be easy as you have discovered. A clearer description of what you are trying to achieve would help us help you.

 

[mikegunn]

Any ideas for the best way to drill 2mm deep into 3mm aluminium without damaging the face as all small sections are painted?

What’s the context? Is this a 3mm thick panel that you want to mount on another surface?
Mike

 

[Neeves]

I think you might be better asking on the PBO site. As Poignard implies you need some accurate kit to achieve what you want and I'm not sure the many liveaboards carry that sort of kit. I'd suggest being a bit more forthcoming with the application - you may receive more informed answers - your post, for a new thread, will determine the usefulness of the answers.

Drilling a 2mm deep hole for an M3 stud, ensuring you do not break through opposite surface is possible, special drill bits - if your bench drill has that accuracy (mine does) and tapping the 2mm hole is possible, with a modified tap - but making a number for many studs would be tedious and the studs would have little strength, in aluminium. If the studs are stainless or steel and this is a marine application then the studs/holes will possibly corrode. I can envisage securing the studs with red Loctite and the Loctite might be stronger than the thread.

Jonathan