This Laminex.

Hi All,
I have a small project on the go for a Lass doing a new kind of Knitting.
So I have to make 20 of these Cards, & they have to have 4 x ¼in. Holes.
Problem is, no matter how slow I try to Drill the Hole, I get a bit of tear out in this 1.5mm. Laminex.
Is there a better way of Drilling these Holes.

A dowelling bit has worked for me in the past.

My first thought was to use a brad point drill bit, but I wasn't the only one with a bright idea.:)
I haven't tried this, but maybe a step drill could work. Probably a slow drilling speed and slow feed would be needed.

Something like this one.

Alan...
Attachment 319061

I'd try both a brad point and Forstner bit to see which is better.

the brad point has spurs which will score the surface as the hole is made

Try using a router bit in your drill press and light pressure to scrape hole into Laminex rather than a pointed drill bit which lifts the surface and causes de-lamination.
regards, Ned

Perhaps you've already done this, but have you clamped some scrap wood on top and beneath? Drill through the lot and you'll avoid chipping. Cheap MDF or pine would be fine.

Trav

When drilling Perspex you drill in reverse. The same May apply to laminex?
something to try I guess.
cheers

Hi All,
Well I went to Bunnings, & the Brad Point Bits are nowhere to be seen. Bother Blast Ect.
Had a walk & lo & behold there they are miles from where you wood think.
Pkt. of 3 $20+ another Pkt. of 5 $ 5.80, & I took them. On close inspection under a Maggy Glass, they didn't look to bad.
Used an Ezylap on the 8mm., tried it on a piece of Laminex, Beautiful, worked like a dream. As they are only 75 x 75mm. it's not really possible to clamp them down, so I gently done the holes, just by hand held.
Anyway thanks to all who responded, & as always " It Pays To Ask "