Plunge speed for drill alumnium??

[gundog]

I am going to start making some parts from aluminum sheet I recently purchased a shear and brake and would like to drill holes using the SB. I have a 3HP Columbo spindle. The holes will be made with an .125 drill bit and the material is .090" thick 5052 AL.

Thanks Mike

[knight_toolworks]

I would do between .25 and .5 14k rpms if your using an endmill. but you may need lube with the softer aluminum.

[bleeth]

Since you have a spindle and are using a drill bit-Run around 2000 RPM, plunge around .3/sec and make sure you peck drill. Basically you are emulating a drill press. I just happened to have a similar job that I ran yesterday but the holes and the material were .25. Many holes, one bit (Titanium), no problem.

[gundog]

Thanks for the input.

Mike