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Posted: 11/9/2005 6:08:54 PM EDT
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I don't have a press and the 4 pound hammer just bent the nail set I using to push the pin. So I decided to drill out my barrel pin. I was able to get almost half way through with no trouble. Then I couldn't drill any further. I tried again with a larger bit and had the same problem. Then I tried from the other side. I got about half as far from this side. I've dulled about a half dozen bits so far. I'm using cobalt bits and I tried one TiN coated bit. It's like the pin is harder than the bit. I've been using "tap magic' as a cutting oil. I've tried high and low speed. I've tried gently feeding and using a lot of force. I'm using a Delta drill press. HELP! |
EXPERIENCE I Used some cheap ass drill bits for mine why you may ask? well the cheap drill will work and if they break I can still eat it up with another bit and cheap drill I don't know why but they eat the metal faster then the expensive drill bit If you have a harbor freight close to you go there and buy a set of cheap ones and use them and put your weight on them....
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Another issue is using a large bit and trying to plunge through. If you drill through with a small bit then follow up with larger ones it's easier because the small bit can plunge the hole first and the large bit will pilot off the smaller. On the small scale, most drill bits don't actually cut at the tip. They kind of mush the metal in the center, deform it, which then allows the cutting surfaces to engage. Look closely at the tip of a large drill bit and you might see this. So if you make a small hole, the large bit's cutting surface can engage easier. Also shows why a slightly dull large bit will really have a hard time plunging into metal, but an easier time opening up an existing hole. And like they said, get hard bits, go slow, and use cutting fluid. |
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is there not a small mechanics shop in your area? I went to mine and said this exactly......."excuse me, do you have a bushing press I can use for five minutes? heres ten bucks, for your time, thank you." I did everything but I didnt want him to say "no", si I gave him some lunch money for letting me use his tools. what can I say? It got done and I will go back to press it in  |
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Good idea on renting the press...just make sure you have the right pin to punch it out. You need a stubby pin to start it, and a longer one to push it all the way through. Some use a dowel pin, some turn down a G8 bolt (I think they are too soft for stuck pins), etc. Either way you need to have a plan before you get there. |
| For future reference you may wish to try the 'freeze overnight in the freezer' trick. It doesn't work all the time but the cold temperatures shrink the metal slightly. So the pin gets a bit smaller and the hole should get a bit bigger. That combination MAY make the job a bit easier. |
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Looks like you've been building AK's in a cave in AFGANISTAN. Glad you got it out. |
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