My first acrylic barrel...Don't laugh too hard

[Aaron at Wingerts Woodworks]

That makes sense JCZ.  I used oil, but probably could've used more than I did.  I never thought of the heat melting the surrounding acrylic when the bit was removed too slowly.  I'm going to get a bottle with a dispenser tube on the end of it and use ATF from now on.  Also good to know not to dilly-dally when removing the bit. 

[BigB]

I drill down around 3/16" to 1/4" at a time when drilling acrylic.  I use a ketchup bottle to put a few drops of ATF down in the hole during drilling.  You'll start to hear when you need to pull the drill bit out.  There will be a subtle sound change.  Look at the chips when you remove the drill bit.  If they have ATF on them, then you are using enough fluid.  If they are dry and kind of powdery instead of stringy, then the acrylic is getting too hot and you need more fluid or you are drilling too much at a time.

Brian

[jcz]

B do you drill on the lathe or press?  I drill on the lathe.

[BigB]

I drill my barrels on the drill press.  I drill my duck call inserts on the lathe.  I use ATF at the drill press and WD-40 on the lathe when drilling acrylic.


Brian

[Aaron at Wingerts Woodworks]

I'm drilling my barrels on the drill press at low speed.  Haven't done an acrylic insert yet but I'm liking the WD40 idea for drilling on the lathe.  No reason I couldn't do them on the press though if that is easier. 

[Blackfalcon]

Great job!! I like that color!
Dave

[patcatman]

  Great job
Pat