Drilling into resin - Advice needed

[Purplethistle]

I've got a resin slot racing body shell of a MkIII Ford Cortina that I'm making into Gene Hunts car from Life on Mars and I'm thinking of drilling out the moulded lights to add my own, has anyone drilled resin before and got any words of advice /warning before I ruin a pricey item (£25 just for the shell) as I have the feeling that the resin might be prone to shattering.

Cheers

PT

[JamesPerrin]

Resin, is pretty stable and I've not had a problem drilling it. If the holes need to be large start with a smaller bit and work up, using a pinvice. Use a round file if you need to to open up the hole further.

[DavidWomby]

PT, like James, I have had no problems drilling and reaming resin. Start small and gradually increase diameter BUT, on something like the Cortina headlights, use VERY little pressure and support the back of the part if you can. The risk isn't that the drill will shatter the resin but that the pressure will crack a thin resin part.

David

[SJPONeill]

...or, depending on the resin, too fast a drill may melt a larger hole than you really need...just sayin' for a friend...

[DavidWomby]

...or, depending on the resin, too fast a drill may melt a larger hole than you really need...just sayin' for a friend...

Lord how could I have forgotten that! My first drilling in resin did exactly that but fortunately it didn't make the hole too big for my purpose.

David

[JohnRatzenberger]

Drilled lots of resin, no problem.
Start small, go bigger. .
If it's more than a finger drill might handle, I use an electric screwdriver (lower revs), not an electric drill.
A mask for dust and clean your bits, files, frequently so not clogged by the dust.

[general rocket]

I believe that resin dust can be carcinogenic, so a mask is imperative.
Anyone better informed please correct.

[Purplethistle]

Many thanks chaps. I had intended to put tape where the initial drill point is to be and support the back with plasticine on top of a wood block from instinct, but I feel more confident about doing it now.
Cheers!

[JohnRatzenberger]

Yes, if you are drilling into thin stuff, it's not a good idea to just let the drill poke through .

[fredk]

yes, resin dust can be dangerous but you don't need to NBC suit up.
In the hobby environment you won't be raising any dust and not a lot of swarf.
I cut and drill into resin quite a bit in my kit modelling and I have done so in my 1:1 cars. I've never raised any amount of dust. I've never worn a mask. Recently I had another set of annual health checks; all my organs are running at 100%, all clean.