skeletonizing handles?

[equinox]

Hi! i am planning on getting standard handles for my typhoon and making my own skeletonized design. i just dont know what kind of drill and bits to use. and also is there a special way for drilling them? im a complete newbie at this.
:confused: :confused: :confused:

[tonyccw]

A couple I can think of (from good old metal shop school):

Drill with a High Speed Steel drill bit.

Do it slow so as to not heat temper the handles (even though it probably wouldn't do much damage).

Always put a piece of waste scrap under the metal being drilled so you don't get a "run out" and split the bottom of the handle.

If possible, use cutting fluid to help lower the resistance of the drill bit biting the metal.

When you're done drilling, using a deburring tool to remove the sharp burrs left from the drilling process.

[nybble]

how possible/easy is this to do if you don't have a drill press and are hand holding the drill?

[tonyccw]

Originally posted by nybble
how possible/easy is this to do if you don't have a drill press and are hand holding the drill?

Possible, but much easier to move the drill away from true center.

[Terry Guinn]

Use a center punch or a sharpened nail to make a indention where you want to drill, or the drill will wander off.
If you can, use under sized drill bit then follow with a reamer, most times a drill will not make a round or pretty hole.
If you use a hand drill, make sure you center punch hole location, clamp handle securly, position so that you can put your weight on drill (waist high or kneeling on floor) use a square of some kind to line up drill then try to hold in the same position after squareing up drill. It may help to have a friend stand back and watch as you drill to inform you if it looks like you are drilling crooked (unsquare)
use a larger size drill to debur or chamfer hole.
Practice on scrap.

[ExamonLyf]

All good advice....Tony/Terry.., thanks!