slownrusty Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Gang - On my SFP L28 Turbo header one of the holes does not quite line up with the head...its close - but no cigar. I do not want to use a drill bit as they "walk" and always make a mess. Is there a tool I can buy to make a circular hole into a neat slotted hole without taking it to my machinist? Thanks in advance! Yasin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 I always use a Carbide bit attached to my dremel. I just have to watch it and have a strong hand so it doesnt wander or ream out the hole. http://www.toolbarn.com/product/dremel/D-9901/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
80LS1T Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 I would just use a die grinder with a carbide bit for the type of metal your reaming out. The dremel would be better if you want to take it slow though and make it look nice. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynekarnes Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 with the header off the car or lifted away from the head, use a quality drill bit that is the same size as the existing hole. run the bit about a 1/4 way through the hole. using variable speed drill, on about half speed, some cutting oil, work the bit in and out. without removing the bit from the hole, work your way towards the direction you want to slot the hole. angle the bit so you are cutting material as the bit moves. rock the bit back and forth. probably take you about 6 minutes or so to ream it out. i've done this bunches of times. works well. good luck, wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_hunt Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Called a lewis tool, I have one, used to elongate pushrod holes on OEM sbc chevrolet heads for 1.6:1 rocker arms, come in 5/16", I've seen similar for other non automotive applications. But that's old skool, so nobody remembers crap like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Hey Doc, Let's go REAL "old school" and grab the "most dangerous tool in the toolbox"...a round hand file... Might take a while, but you'll have absolute control of what you're doing and you probably already have one. Anybody besides Doc know why it's called "the most dangerous tool in the box"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbk240z Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Anybody besides Doc know why it's called "the most dangerous tool in the box"? I have seen them "jam" in a slotted hole,then user's hand slams into whatever is being slotted........ouch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Hey Doc' date=' Let's go REAL "old school" and grab the "most dangerous tool in the toolbox"...a round hand file... Might take a while, but you'll have absolute control of what you're doing and you probably already have one. [/quote'] That is my vote. Nice to have a good assortment of various sized rat tail files. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody 82 ZXT Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 I hate to say it but, the round files sounds like the best option. It'll be slow but, atleast it woun't be messed up when your done. How much slotting are we talking about anyway? Also like Warren, was saying make sure it's got a handle on it! We don't ned any cool pics of the handle embedded into your hand. Ofcourse you already know that but, I thought I would state the obvious just incase someone else didn't yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slownrusty Posted July 12, 2006 Author Share Posted July 12, 2006 Ok cool guys....thanks for the replies. I might try the carbide bit on the die grinder or even on my Dremmel...I'll let you know how it works and yes I will take my time... This looks like a good option too: Regards - Yasin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A. G. Olphart Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 A carbide quite a bit smaller should work; otherwise they have a tendency to grab, then chatter back and forth all around the hole. I've a nice assortment of chainsaw chain sharpening files (various diameters). They work well, and seem to last longer than some files. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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