Rubber drilling, or drilling rubber?

[Bamamav]

I've got some rubber conveyor belting strips I want to use for between my trans mount and frame. Need a couple of 3/8" or 1/2" holes for the mount bolts to go through. How would be the best way to go about drilling the rubber? Last time I tried to use a piece like that, I drilled a hole, but never could get it large enough, when the bit came out, the hole would close up! I don't have any way to punch them, either. Any ideas?

 

[kenny c]

I've cut holes in rubber by making a punch out of a piece of pipe. I just grind it on a taper. drive it through with a big hammer. You could also use a press to push the cutter through the rubber.

 

[akatao]

I do the same thing like a gasket punch , I have used tubing ferels also

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

When I worked in manufacturing, turret punch.

At home, baby hole-saw with plenty of soap and water in a spray bottle.

.

 

[Sam_Fear]

You can try clamping the rubber tight between a couple pieces of wood before drilling.

 

[soltz]

I've had the best luck with a punch on a hard wood block, supports but doesn't dull the edge. [S
Good luck[P

 

[smallfoot]

I use a 1/2" plug cutter bit on the drill press. Cutter teeth will cut a pretty clean hole for large bolts. Those bits are designed to cut a wooden plug from a board. Hardware stores have them. Leaves a hole thru conveyer belting or mat that's about 5/8" dia. I'll get a shot of mine later if you like.
If you need smaller diameter hole go for smaller bit. It'll cut about 1/8" larger than the plug it's designed to cut when you're talking hole size, roughly.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

Put the rubber in the freezer overnight before you drill it. Makes a world of difference...

 

[sneakysnake]

These work well for drilling holes in rubber belting/

 

[hankthebigdog]

I use a gasket punch on a block of wood and always go one size largr than I need. sure makes fitting better for me.

 

[exador]

whut to do

I have drilled rubber a size larger than needed. Ground a point or taper on your bolt and thread in.

 

[Skip]

Punch.

 

[Bamamav]

Good ideas all, thanks![cl

 

[smallfoot]