Drilling Dashboard!

[Griffit]

I'm going to add a matching LED above my temperature gauge to tell me my fans are running, which of course involves drilling my dash panel Thankfully mine is a stainless dash so no veneer to worry about, only question is in order to achieve the best finish (without filing) should I drill from the front or back of the dash?

Logic tells me to drill from the back, not least because should I slip it won't be a problem - obviously I'll be using some gaffa tape to prevent this happening in the first place Correct assumption? Drills cut backwards no?

[dnb]

I'd use a pillar drill and drill from the front with a newly sharpened bit.

Lots of pressure, moderate to slow drill speed and use of cutting oil would be the way I would go. I believe stainless work-hardens incredibly quickly so you can't let the drill slip or stall so that it heats the panel up.

I'm sure a metal-basher will be along shortly to tell me everything I've got wrong

[Simpo Two]

Griffit said:

Drills cut backwards no?

If you mean CCW, no. On the reverse you're bound to get a ring of 'swarf' but this can be easily removed with a countersinker (or carefully cut away with a sharp chisel).

[TheGriffalo]

The finish will be the same whichever way you drill from. personally I'd go from the back in case you get a swarf tail which will scratch the surface. Stainless is a sod to drill either way! The general rule of thumb is half the speed, twice the feed otherwise you'll work harden it. Don't use cheap drill bits either

To deburr it just get a drill bit about twice the size and twist it in the hole by hand. Perfect deburring every time

[spend]

I'd use a punch to centre & drill from the front... I used those saw drills when I made mine (they are the ones that go thru rubber bushes nicely as well )



Dave

[crackedfinger]

If you don't have aworkshop to hand, use pieces of wood clamped over and below the area that you want to drill - this both provides a guide & reduces the chance for bending and slipping.

[Griffit]

Glad I asked! Plenty of advice above, thanks guys I'll be following the above rules and hopefully all will be well :fingerscrossedsmilie: