Handheld power drilling in to aluminium, best hope of accuracy?

[5U4GB]

And the Relton A9 works even better. I used various kinds of alcohol before so I know the difference 

I think I see your problem there, DUI (drilling under the influence) never helps with accuracy :-).

[David Hess]

Crazy high rpm for small drills isn't such a big deal in a garage shop.

It does not have to be crazy high, but 600 RPM is too slow.

[Langdon]

(Joke:)  Perhaps you should use a vise instead of a vice?

The OP is in the UK so a vice is the correct thing to use.  While "a vise" is French for on target [1] which is what the OP is aiming for, it's more an abstract concept than something you can use.

[1] By "French for ..." I mean learned-in-school-French, not native-language French.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/vise-and-vice-they-mostly-arent-the-same-thing

Your link disagrees entirely with your reply.
Did you actually read the dictionary link?


EDIT:
BREAKING NEWS: Differing dialects of English and usage of superfluous "taught-in-school" French lead to mass confusion!
(never mind)


NOTE: Since vises (the cast iron+steel kind) aren't really sold, manufactured, or written about much anymore, the spelling of "vise" is not widely known.
This is actually the first time I've seen a vise discussed in writing.

[themadhippy]

In the uk its a vice regardless of wot borrowers of the english language  call it.

[langwadt]

(Joke:)  Perhaps you should use a vise instead of a vice?

The OP is in the UK so a vice is the correct thing to use.  While "a vise" is French for on target [1] which is what the OP is aiming for, it's more an abstract concept than something you can use.

[1] By "French for ..." I mean learned-in-school-French, not native-language French.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/vise-and-vice-they-mostly-arent-the-same-thing

Your link disagrees entirely with your reply.
Did you actually read the dictionary link?

yes I did, did you read who wrote what?

[TimFox]

(Joke:)  Perhaps you should use a vise instead of a vice?

The OP is in the UK so a vice is the correct thing to use.  While "a vise" is French for on target [1] which is what the OP is aiming for, it's more an abstract concept than something you can use.

[1] By "French for ..." I mean learned-in-school-French, not native-language French.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/vise-and-vice-they-mostly-arent-the-same-thing

Your link disagrees entirely with your reply.
Did you actually read the dictionary link?

yes I did, did you read who wrote what?

Note that this time, realizing that subtlety is wasted on some people, I went to the trouble of labeling my comment as a joke.

[IanB]

On the eastern side of the Atlantic, "-ise" is typically pronounced like "-ize" (compare advice with advise), hence the clamping tool is a vice, since "-ice" makes the expected sound.

[langwadt]

On the eastern side of the Atlantic, "-ise" is typically pronounced like "-ize" (compare advice with advise), hence the clamping tool is a vice, since "-ice" makes the expected sound.

So Miami Vice was a TV show about work holding?

[TimFox]

On the eastern side of the Atlantic, "-ise" is typically pronounced like "-ize" (compare advice with advise), hence the clamping tool is a vice, since "-ice" makes the expected sound.

So Miami Vice was a TV show about work holding?

No, in Florida they are capable of nice distinctions.

[themadhippy]

So Miami Vice was a TV show about work holding?

no it was about squeezing criminals

[Langdon]

And the Relton A9 works even better. I used various kinds of alcohol before so I know the difference 

I think I see your problem there, DUI (drilling under the influence) never helps with accuracy :-).

Funny when you first read it the first time, less so when you realise the dangerous implications of DUI (drilling under influence).

This is also somewhat true; the alchohol will likely evaporate somewhat and some will end up being inhaled by you.

[jpanhalt]

Relton A9 MSDS/SDS:

Severely solvent refined heavy 64741-96-4, 64742-52-5 85-90 *
naphthenic distillates,
Hydrotreated heavy naphthenic
petroleum distillates

I have known machinists who used kerosene or diesel.

[Langdon]

Diesel/kerosene + hot bit = fire.

Be careful!!!!

[TimFox]

I have had good results in aluminum using "Boelube", developed by Boeing.
https://www.aircraft-tool.com/Detail?id=BL90
Advertised as "Completely non-toxic, non-irritating and biodegradable. Non-corrosive, non-flammable, chemically stable and free of halogens, heavy metals, suflur, phosporous, silicone, petroleum and paraffin wax."

[langwadt]

Diesel/kerosene + hot bit = fire.

Be careful!!!!

we are talking drips not a swimming pool

[jpanhalt]

@Langdon
BS   The recommended Relton A9 is far more flammable.

Edit:
The flashpoint of diesel is more than 120°F.   Flashpoint of gasoline is -45°F.  Depending on quantity, diesel does not need to be labeled as flammable (https://www.jjkeller.com/learn/when-does-diesel-fuel-require-placards?)

[Chris Mr]

Have a PCB made with the holes you want over-sized.  The size of the oversize being that of the outside diameter of a tube whose inside diameter is the diameter of the drill / hole you want.

Then you can put the PCB on the aluminium sheet (clamped down) and put the tube in the hole.. followed by the drill.  The tube keeps the drill within a gnats wotnot and allows the drill to spin.  The tube can be replaced as often as you like - and it only needs to be short anyway.

[Langdon]

Yeah, but kerosene is still a bit flammable.

Also, you know I'm Canadian, I don't understand fahrenheit!

[jpanhalt]

Just remember that -40°C = -40°F

The point is that diesel will burn, of course, but it is considered combustible in small quantities; whereas, the more volatile hydrocarbons are considered flammable even in small quantities.  In a practical sense, a motor boat with an inboard diesel engine (e.g., a small sailboat) is not much of a concern, but I would never consider getting into a boat with gasoline powered engine inboard.  I use heavier hydrocarbon-based cleaning solvents in my parts washer for that reason too.

Google AI

Generally, combustible liquids such as diesel are not subject to the HMR when in non-bulk packaging. Therefore, when diesel is transported in non-bulk packaging, a placard is not required.