I would like to add at this point - if you can find them - get Silver &
Deming drill bits. You will pay a premium - but you won't be sorry you
got them.

When it comes to difficult drilling, Silver & Deming are the best bits
ever. They are often used in machine shops and in machine lathes because
of their ability to drill really hard materials finely and accurately
and yet keep the cutting edge throughout the process. Cutting oil is
essential however, as with all hard metal drilling.

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 6/14/2010 9:26 PM, David Beierl wrote:
> At 09:55 PM 6/14/2010, pickle vanagon wrote:
>> But I think I'm going to try the helicoil repair this weekend.  I
>> don't want
>> to run 3 bolts long term.  Is the insert really that hard to install?  I
>> figure, after I drill and tap, that the insert must be pretty easy to
>> get
>> in.  And, where I'm' doing it, I'll have easy access.  Not like doing
>> this
>> in an engine compartment.
>
> The hardest part is getting the tap to go in straight.  Compared to
> that, most everything else is dead easy.  If you're not used to
> drilling in steel -- use a drill containing cobalt if possible, use
> cutting fluid (Tap Magic, lard, whatever you're going to use for
> tapping).  Keep the drill speed way down (for this size I'd stay
> below 700 rpm)  and use *heavy* feed pressure.  You want the tool to
> cut and not rub.  Watch out -- if the drill snatches as it breaks
> through, it will snatch your wrist if you let it.  If the drill
> dulls, sharpen or replace it, then turn slower and push harder.  But
> take great care that the tool is always cutting.  If it rubs it may
> work-harden the steel and then you'll have a much more difficult time.
>
> Yours,
> David
>
>