Need a drill press this weekend

[Andy]

Anyone have one or knows a shop that's open this weekend? I need to open up 2 holes in my each of my steel control arms to 1/2in.

[PDenbigh]

Where are you residing again?

[Andy]

Where are you residing again?

Forgot to mention I live in NoVA now. Thanks, Pete.

[Andy]

Alright, this is what I'm working on. See how the strut rod connects to the lower control arm. I need those two holes to be opened up to 1/2". It's currently accepts 3/8" bolt. Do I need a drill press or can this be sorted out with a hand held drill?

[PDenbigh]

I would think you could do it with a decent hand drill and a vice. Just hang on and don't spin it too fast. A good, sharp bit, cutting oil, and low RPMs with good straight pressure should be fine. (The key to drilling metal is pressure, not speed. Speed heats up the bit, melts the sharp end and changes the temper of the metal, thus dulling it fast)

I've never drilled a control arm, so I don't know if it's really strong/rigid steel or flexible/strong steel. It's not going to drill like wood but it'll make it through. Drill bit's going to have to be sharp though!

If you don't have a vice, just leave the back part attached to the car and pivot the CA down until the outer end hits the ground. That will support it pretty well for drilling. Just make sure you go at it perpendicular.

[white_2kgt]

Also, drill it out in steps, pick up a few different sizes from a little bigger than 3/8 up to 1/2" this will allow you to drill less metal all at once. I have a press here, but I'm sick as shit and its about 45 min from you, but if you want to come over and use it your more than welcome, I won't be much help though.

[Andy]

Also, drill it out in steps, pick up a few different sizes from a little bigger than 3/8 up to 1/2" this will allow you to drill less metal all at once. I have a press here, but I'm sick as shit and its about 45 min from you, but if you want to come over and use it your more than welcome, I won't be much help though.

Thanks Chad. I don't want to bother a sick guy w/a baby I really appreciate the offer though.

[Andy]

Took it to manassas crankshaft. They did a good good, charged me little and will hot tank my motor for 50 bucks. Not bad at all.