[dsnaith]

I am using a Hitachi M12VC spindle on my CNC router. It works very well for most of what I need. However, the parts I am making require several 1/4" and 1/8" dia holes. I guess the 1/4" holes I could mill out with a 1/8" cutter, but for the 1/8" holes I am a bit stumped. I can mount a drill bit in a pin vice and mount the pin vice in the 1/4" collet, but the minimum speed on the M12VC is about 8,000 which is WAY too fast.

I will eventually buy a proper VFD spindle, and I may buy a SuperPID in the interim, but even that only goes down to 5,000. I really need around 1,000 - 2,000 rpm for drilling.

So I am thinking I am not the first person to want to drill holes with the M12VC spindle. How have others solved this problem?

Thanks guys! I appreciate any help you can offer.

Dave.

[jckstrthmghty]

Are you drilling metal? I have no problems drilling with a drill bit or a end mill into wood with my router at 8000 rpm. I've read that spindles are not meant for heavy drilling and peck drilling is required to prolong bearing life. I know they make endmills specifically for higher speeds for cutting aluminum. Instead of a pinvice you should get a bushing adapter for your 1/8" bit. Cheap and effective.

[dsnaith]

Sorry, I should have said... I am drilling wood.

Really? You are using a 1/8" end mill and plunging it at 8,000 rpm? OK, I will give it a try.

Thanks mate!

[jckstrthmghty]

Sorry, I should have said... I am drilling wood.

Really? You are using a 1/8" end mill and plunging it at 8,000 rpm? OK, I will give it a try.

Thanks mate!

With softer woods, or mdf I'm plunging at 30 ipm. Perhaps that's a tad too fast. If it's hardwood I would slow that down to 10-15 ipm. I find the endmill clears out chip much better than a drill bit. When drilling more than 1" I find drill bits clog and leaves burn marks sometimes.

[ger21]

I use a PC690 with a SuperPID, and drill with 1/8" and 1/4" bits at 5000 rpm. I peck drill with 1/8" pecks, at 50ipm. I've drilled both wood and aluminum with no problems. Just use short, and sharp drill bits.

[dsnaith]

Great advice. Thanks guys!

Dave.