Drilling an already powder coated enclosure?

[rullywowr]

I agree with all the above. Just be very careful if you are using a spring punch. I've had beautiful boxes flake off the powder when using the spring punch. Safer to use tape and a pen.

[muddyfox]

Ha! Good point, never thought of that. I've only done bare boxes so far and springpunched the heck out of them. :-)

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[peAk]

Safer to use tape and a pen.

Can you elaborate on this? I am interested.

[rullywowr]

Safer to use tape and a pen.

Can you elaborate on this? I am interested.

If you have a painted box it is best to tape over where you are going to drill and mark with a pen on the tape. Then drill on your pen marks. I've had bad luck using a spring punch on powered enclosures - it can knock off the powder.

[peAk]

Safer to use tape and a pen.

Can you elaborate on this? I am interested.

If you have a painted box it is best to tape over where you are going to drill and mark with a pen on the tape. Then drill on your pen marks. I've had bad luck using a spring punch on powered enclosures - it can knock off the powder.

oh okay, I got you. So when doing this method with a handheld drill, do you do any kind of starter hole?

[davent]

I would avoid big box/retail drill bits at all costs. Find a specialty tool dealer and spend the bucks for the good stuff, the drill bits they keep behind the front counter, night and day in terms of sharpness and durabilty and if you're using a Unibit you only need a few sizes of very small, high-end bits.
dave

[rullywowr]

Safer to use tape and a pen.

Can you elaborate on this? I am interested.

If you have a painted box it is best to tape over where you are going to drill and mark with a pen on the tape. Then drill on your pen marks. I've had bad luck using a spring punch on powered enclosures - it can knock off the powder.

oh okay, I got you. So when doing this method with a handheld drill, do you do any kind of starter hole?

Yes. Using a small drill like 1/8" is what I do to ensure you hit the marks accurately.

[Clayford]

I'd get a new bit for sure. Also, you can pop a little 3in1 oil in there from time to time too. I don't normally have to do this, but I toss some in once in a while to help with friction issues.

This. With a little lube, and a lot of patience, you can drill most anything.

3in1, 10w-30, olive oil, anything works. 

[rullywowr]

Yes.  When drilling metal just like my shop teacher said.... "Slow speed, Slow feed." 

I have my drill press on the lowest speed setting.  You can use oil as well, but just be extra careful to get it all off if you are powdercoating afterwards.  Acetone/Naptha works well for this.

[Clayford]

I would avoid big box/retail drill bits at all costs. Find a specialty tool dealer and spend the bucks for the good stuff, the drill bits they keep behind the front counter, night and day in terms of sharpness and durabilty and if you're using a Unibit you only need a few sizes of very small, high-end bits.
dave

Carbide tip Jobber length, If they look at you blanky (uh... wut? Blink. Blink.) , keep your wallet closed and run away.

[lincolnic]

I put tape over the entire box when I drill - all of the metal shavings that'll be flying around can scratch the powdercoat otherwise, even as you're wiping them off, and I don't want to mar the nice finish.