Help, I suck at drilling holes

[Twankie]

Also does the tube actually measure 2"?

 

[Steve300xcw]

Those speed squares are handy, expecially for ripping shit with the plasma. Not a lay out tool though

 

[RunningProblem]

Got some holes drilled tonight… but for the experts am I reading my square wrong or is it actually labeled/etched wrong? I am off a heavy 1/16” at times when I know I measured it 3 times before cutting/drilling

Check it with a tape measure. Those marks probably aren’t precise. Maybe they’re just a quick ‘good enough’ measurement.

 

[IowaOffRoad]

Maybe try NOT clamping it tight. If you have runout issues, then the part can move around following the wobble of the bit.

Chart I found says 1000 RPM for 1/2 inch bit in mild steel.
Sucks that your drill press slips the belt, it can't provide the torque needed at the required pressure to make nice chips. Not sure what you can do to address that. New belt? Belt dressing spray? Increase pulley tension?

How are you with a cordless drill?

1000 rpm sounds like milling speed, not drilling speed. I’d run 1/2” drill no more than 250

 

[[memphis]]

Those speed squares are handy, expecially for ripping shit with the plasma. Not a lay out tool though

What do you like using for layout? Tape measure works I just find it annoying because it “walks” up the edge of the tube some times

 

[Steve300xcw]

What do you like using for layout? Tape measure works I just find it annoying because it “walks” up the edge of the tube some times

A decent combination square is what I would be using.

Open up the pencil notches in that speed square for a drag tip. I used the hell out it

 

[CarterKraft]

I use combo square, I try to find a only inch reading but its hard.

 

[CarterKraft]

I grind a little notch in the end of the combo square blade to center the scribe and help it stay on the blade when dragging.

 

[bgaidan]

Got some holes drilled tonight… but for the experts am I reading my square wrong or is it actually labeled/etched wrong? I am off a heavy 1/16” at times when I know I measured it 3 times before cutting/drilling

Does the edge of that square actually sit on the flat face of the tube or is it on the round edge?


The big fireball combo squares are good for that...

 

[Steve300xcw]

oooooooh I like that

 

[billybob_81067]

Those are wood framing squares and in my experience they sort of suck for layout.

Your technique is good but measure from both sides and make two scribes, between the scribes is your center.

This. Always do from both sides to get the true center.