Can you drill and tap cast iron?

A

Andrew Holley

Well-known member
I have a larger sear table saw, that I want to make an extended bed for to mount my router in. However, I have an incra fence that the only way I could mount it would be to drill and tap a couple house in the table saw's cast iron top.

never drilled cast, figured I would ask here as someone will know.

Thanks
 
Can be done but be careful. Start with small pilot holes on a drill press if possible. Keeping the bit straight and steady is the key. Then move up to larger bits as needed. As you start driling you may encounter hard spots or voids. Try to keep the drill bit chatter to a minimum. Take your time and it can be done cleanly.
 
yes you can, use kerosene for cutting oil. cast iron is ez to drill until you hit a hard spot like an old ball baron , taps just as ez.
 
Yes, I did it on my wood stove. Use oil when drilling and take your time. Start with smaller bit and work your way up.

That was the first and only thing I've tapped and it seemed to go smoothly.
 
if you can find a small machine shop , for a modest fee they would be glad to help you ... pizza & doughnuts can buy a lot of friends... if you do it yourself OSGTOOL.COM makes drills & taps for specialized applications, get hold of a tech guy for advice on what equipment you have...use a tap guide to get your tap started straight...personally, unless equipped, you're best bet is to find a machine shop with a little extra time on their hands,& sweeten the deal with a couple dozen doughnuts for the employees ...forgive me ,i'm on my moblie...
 
Use coarse threads in cast iron to reduce risk of stripping. Wear eye protection. Don't blow the dust away as it may come back and get in your eyes. I cast iron dust in my eye from tapping a hole. It was excruciating for about a week and took numerous trips to the doctor to have it scrapped out.
 
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