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  #1  
Old 09-29-2014, 08:26 AM
Driving '67 Driving '67 is offline
 
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Location: CZBA, ON Canada
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Default Plexiglass Drill Bits - Source?

Hi,

Just getting ready to install the wing landing light lens and the plans (page 17-09 step 5) call for you to use #30 & #27 Plexi-bits. I see both Cleaveland and Avery Tools just carry fractional sized plexi-bits. Any idea on a good spot to order these drills?

Thanks Jim
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Last edited by Driving '67 : 09-29-2014 at 08:31 AM.
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  #2  
Old 09-29-2014, 08:37 AM
Tom023 Tom023 is offline
 
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Location: Cypress, TX
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Default

I purchased mine from McMaster Carr. They have the correct sizes.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastic-cut...l-bits/=txmwqv
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Last edited by Tom023 : 09-29-2014 at 08:39 AM.
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  #3  
Old 09-29-2014, 08:48 AM
Driving '67 Driving '67 is offline
 
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Default

Thanks Tom
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  #4  
Old 09-29-2014, 08:58 AM
Mike H Mike H is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Savannah
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Default

An option is to take a regular twist drill and intentionally dull the cutting surface. This option works well for me and I have never actually purchased a plexiglass drill. To dull a bit I have drilled an old concrete block or even stuck the drill bit into an expansion joint in a concrete floor. When the cutting surfaces are dull to the touch it will not have the tendency to bite or grab and chip the plexiglass. Always test the dull bit on some scrap before drilling the actual part.
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  #5  
Old 09-29-2014, 09:25 AM
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flyboy1963 flyboy1963 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Lake Country, B.C. Canada
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Default also can be custom made

If you find you don't have the size you want, lots of info out there on how to make one.
http://www.plasticgenius.com/2009/03...lexiglass.html

I've had the most success just taking a standard old bit, and using a dremel with a small, flat disc, taking the 'bite' out of the bit by grinding the cutting edge into a flat, vertical edge.
The bit now scrapes it's way thru, rather than digging out material, more like a milling machine. anyone whose worked acrylic or lexan will tell you that cutting with a router is much preferred over a saw, for just this reason.

I think just dulling an old bit may work, but you should watch the potential heat & pressure you're using.

with these expensive pieces you're drilling, why not use a new, sharp bit that's designed for the job.
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  #6  
Old 09-29-2014, 12:34 PM
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cfiidon cfiidon is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California
Posts: 652
Default ALternative

On my -8 the lenses were very thin and flexible. I don't know what they look like in you case.

I used a pointed soldering iron tip and melted the correct size hole.

Easy peasy.

Don
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  #7  
Old 09-29-2014, 06:17 PM
terrye terrye is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Default LP Aero

LP Aero accessories catalog scroll down a bit to Special Acrylic Drill Bits
http://www.lpaero.com/accessories.html
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  #8  
Old 09-29-2014, 06:30 PM
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flyingriki flyingriki is offline
 
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Location: California
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TAP Plastics?
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  #9  
Old 09-29-2014, 06:49 PM
868RM 868RM is offline
 
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Location: lena, il.
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Default bits

The set that I have are Avery tools. They work good.
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  #10  
Old 09-29-2014, 06:55 PM
Driving '67 Driving '67 is offline
 
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Location: CZBA, ON Canada
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I was able to get them from McMaster.com .... They were just over $4 each.
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