everyonce in a while i see old b/o badged stainless tritoms and I think...if you could put lugs on the bottoms...you'd have something...would the juice be worth the squeeze (i only have a had drill).
dtk
dtk
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Stainless shells and drilling...too tough?
- Thread starter dtk
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atomicdave
DFO Master
I can recommend DFO member ludwigsnob, doesnt check in here too frequently, but he's got a generous selection of Ludwig restoration videos, mostly vistalite and stainless. I dont think discusses drilling in the the 4 part vid, but I do know that he drilled bottom lugs on a 10x14 concert tom that he noticed had snare beds pressed into the bottom edge...I believe was posted here, will try to find it. Here's a Stainless vid, check out the rest of his youtube vids. I assure you, his work and knowledge are top notch.
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I haven't done it myself, but Keith Larsen at Mid Atlantic Drum did a great job drilling my late 70's Ludwig SS 8"&10" concert toms for lugs; now they are double headed and sound fantastic.dtk said:
Be sure the shells are in round before you put on bottom heads; this may require judicious use of some towels and a rubber mallet if they are not. If you can get each lug within 1/8" of being in round, you should be good.
Good luck!
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esooy
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Not hard to drill. I suggest using a quality split point bit that you'd find at an industrial supply, fastenal, or the like. Then, use cutting oil and drill at SLOWER speeds. High speeds are just going to dull the bit quickly.
Hanover Fiste
Well-Known Member
I drill stainless all the time at work. The trick is low speed, brand new, sharp bits, lots of cutting fluid to keep the temp down, and lots of pressure (drill press preferably). Especially important to drill on low speed. High speed creates too much heat and you'll only get a hole or two before you burn out the tip of the bit. Also want to start with a tiny 1/8ths bit and work your way up from there. Don't start with a 1/2" bit if you need a 1/2" hole.
Dave H.
DFO Master
I have found a product called Ballistol that works great as a drilling & tapping fluid & also so many more uses. Check it out at Ballistol.com
Slawman
Slawman
