UDS - HELP/Advice needed 4 Punching through metal

EDIT: I have an update at post 19 for those that read earlier and just want to move to that one for my update

Hi all,

Well the build for my first UDS is on... well... sort of.:tsk:

I am using NORCO's tutorial as a guide. In it he has
the step of using a center punch to make the holes in the metal,
then drills out bigger pilot holes. I have not worked with metal
before, so maybe I am doing something(s) wrong.

I measured on the drum where I want my holes, and am trying to
bang through the drum with the center punch. All I seem to be doing
is denting the drum and dulling my punch.:mad2::mad2:

My question for this area of the build is that is the punch used to go through
the metal?? and.. if so how to do it without mangling the barrel. I am using
a 3lb sledge and giving it pretty hefty whacks.. which is denting the barrel.:doh::doh::doh:

OR.. do I use the punch just to mark it?

An answer with a little detail, on how to do it would be most helpful!
Trying to get this done before the light fades.

Do I need a different drill bit then what I have perhaps??
If so, a specific recommendation would be of help to.

Thank You

Below are NORCO's pics, and my pics for reference.

MY PICS.. showing barrel flipped and the bottom
1)showing the punch, sledge and drum
2)showing the dent on the barrel and no hole



NORCO's pics.. that I am trying to imitate!
Seems he has made a hole in the barrel with the punch at this point.....


Drilling pilot holes....

Thanks all. I have also tried drilling a pilot hole directly in the indentation. No go. Held the drill for a minute straight... pressing fairly hard.

May go to harbor freight to get the uni-bit, as they are on sale this week.
But still, how to make the original pilot hole?

Thank You.

Thanks again! Will give you all an update when progress is made.
Silly question maybe, but do I need a "metal" specific bit?

Groundhog66 said:

You can get carbide tipped bits, what size hole do you need to have in the end?

Click to expand...

I have an icehardened hole saw bit to make the 1" holes needed,
but need a pilot hole big enough to put the mandril bit through.

qman said:

Maybe I am missing something Smiter, but could it be that you just have the wrong drill bit? A metal cutting bit should zip through that drum wall faster that..... well, you know.
Seriously, check and see if you may be using a wood bit, or one that has been worn out.

Click to expand...

Going to see what other bits I may have.

GH and BT and all.. thanks for your ideas and comments.

Ok.. here is the update.
1)I managed to get through a pilot hole with a different bit.
2)What I thought I had for the icehardened hole saw bit from another project was wrong size. So I used my harborfreight one.

It did the job, but "Holey Moley"(word pun intended) it was a difficult drilling process. I still have to do three more of these... plus the 8 holes on the lid? Whew! I am going to have to get a new bit and hole bit for sure. As the drums lid was switched out by the original owner for one that is twice as thick as the drum!

Harborfrieght has two step bits on sale for like $12 total. Since drilling a few UDS's will be the extent of my need, these may do the trick?
Think I am going to pick up a carbide tip for the pilot holes too.

Any other suggestions, anyone?


@woodbutcher lol.. no, but good question.. as I actually checked to see if that was the issue, and have done that before... but not this time. lol

Pic of my "sort of" success....