Step by Step Hole Reaming Instructions

[craigboez]

In order to machine our own gearbox side plates or chassis rails, we're going to need to ream some 1.125" and .875" bearing holes. We can do this in house, vs having to go out of house to CNC machine.

What is the sequence of events that takes place en route to reaming the hole? In particular, how many intermediate drill sizes are we going to need? Currently we don't own any drills larger than 1/2", so in order to ream holes we're looking at investing in both a reamer and the intermediate drills that will be necessary. What size would you drill the final hole before reaming? Would you recommend a 1.125" and .875" reamer, or something slightly undersized? The bearings will either be pressing into a sideplate (3/16 or 1/4) or a nano-tube style chassis rail/gearbox of 1/8" wall, 6061 or 6063 aluminum.

Thanks.