In this article I am going to show you how to make your Y drive plates out of aluminum with a drill press.

Since we are only drilling 5 holes in each drive plate, the procedure is identical to that of the other materials covered in the book.

I am using the original 3” x 7” drive plate design as the larger 6” x 7” was only added at add additional support for softer plastic plates like PVC.

 

Step 1

Install the Y drive plate templates on the aluminum stock.

Step 2

Use a punch and mark the five holes in each drive plate.

Step 3

Use a 3/16” drill bit to enlarge the punch marks.

Step 4

Drill all holes with a 5/16” drill bit.

Step 5

Enlarge the two lower holes with a 3/8” drill bit.

Step 6

Deburr and sand the plates.

Assembled

The plates assemble as instructed in the book.

Installed

The plates install as instructed in the book.