hello!
I have a file that I need to drill holes, they are 3/16" 1/4" and 1/8" , can somebody explain what do I need to do and what’s the best way to do it. so multiple bits ? and how do I set the height if I´m replacing the bit in the middle of the cutting?
do I use the pocket option? the plan is to use 3 different bits 3/16" 1/4" and 1/8" so the cnc will just make the holes correct???
thanks guys!
Anecdotally, drilling holes with an endmill is usually thought to be a bad thing… but I’ve done it and it’s really just fine… sometimes 
In your case with many different sized holes, they are actually just circular pockets. So you can actually get away with using one bit - so long as it is smaller than your smallest hole.
You might need a bit smaller than 1/8" to get something like CC to let you pocket it, such as a 2mm bit (which is a really nice bit to have on hand).
Yep,
As Gerry says endmills are not really drills, a mill smaller than the hole can be used to make a circular pocket. Drilling is hard on the machine and best avoided if you can.
What material are you working on?
The point really is whether you are using an end mill that will cut in a plunge cut. They have to have edges on the bottom. That’s really one of the differences between end mills and drill bits.
As already stated end mills are not effective drills. To drill a 1/4 inch hole you must use a smaller bit and as already said you pocket it out. The Shapeoko will not just plunge in and make a hole in one continuous movement. Now for small diameter holes you can be limited by the small end mill cutting length. So if you need a one inch hole you will be out of luck. No tiny end mill will be long enough to cut that kind of pocket. You could mark the holes with the Shapeoko to the maximum depth with your CNC and then take the project off the machine and finish deep holes with a drill bit.
So a 1/4 inch bit will not make a 1/4 inch hole, you must use a smaller bit and you will be limited by small holes by the cutting depth of your end mill.
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