Steve,
I used a drill, sized smaller that the desired hole, but larger than my
smallest rat-tail rasp. The drill wants to dance on the carbon as you drill,
so
I recommend the pilot-point drills and use moderate pressure with a drill
press. Free-hand drilling is tough due to the wandering thru the carbon
fibers.
Regardless of what drills are used, the carbon is tough on the drill
lifespan. Once you have the pilot hole(s) drilled, use the rasps and files to
finish the hole to the desired size. It's easier to take material away than
put
it back. In a couple of cases on my boom, I enhanced the area around the
part with s-glass before drilling, as the rivet holes are so close to the
large
hole for the part.
If you want to use rivet washers to backup the part, tape a rivet washer to
the backside of the drilled hole with masking tape, then insert the part and
rivet the part tight. I was able to insert rivet washers with a cedar strip
deep into the lower mast section with this method.
Bill
In a message dated 10/5/06 6:45:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
aussieswift@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
Hi Guys,
A few things:
1) What is everyone using to make holes in the carbon for t-ball fittings,
blocks etc? I was thinking a drill and file? I know it sounds obvious but just
hoping to avoid mistakes.
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