Professional Drilling or Machining Service for Precision Holes

Hire a machine shop, fabrication shop, or professional tradesperson when you need precision holes that are beyond the capability of hand tools.

How It Works

Professional machine shops have industrial drill presses, milling machines, CNC equipment, and specialized tooling that can produce holes with tolerances measured in thousandths of an inch. For holes that need to be precisely located, perfectly round, accurately sized for press-fit or bearing applications, or drilled in hardened materials, professional services deliver results that are impossible to achieve with consumer tools.

When to Use a Professional Service

1. Holes that must meet specific diameter tolerances (press fits, bearing housings, pin holes)
2. Drilling in hardened steel, stainless steel, titanium, or other difficult materials
3. Multiple holes that must be precisely spaced relative to each other
4. Large-diameter holes (over 1 inch) in thick metal
5. Holes that must be perfectly perpendicular in materials where error is costly or dangerous
6. One-off projects where buying specialized tools is not justifiable

What to Expect

• Local machine shops typically charge $50-100 per hour for general work, with simple drilling jobs often taking less than 30 minutes
• Many shops have minimum charges of $25-50 regardless of job size
• Provide a drawing or clear description of hole locations, sizes, depths, and tolerances
• Turnaround time varies from same-day for simple work to 1-2 weeks during busy periods

Tips

• Search for "machine shop" or "metal fabrication" in your area. Many small shops welcome walk-in work
• Bring the actual workpiece with hole locations clearly marked in pencil or center-punched
• Ask about pricing before committing — simple drilling is often surprisingly inexpensive
• For wood projects, a local cabinet shop or furniture maker may be willing to drill precise holes for a small fee
• Community makerspaces often have members with machining skills who can help with one-off projects

Common Mistakes

• Not providing clear specifications, which leads to misunderstandings about hole size, depth, or location
• Assuming professional services are too expensive for small jobs — many shops handle small walk-in work at reasonable rates
• Not center-punching hole locations before bringing the piece to the shop, which forces the machinist to interpret your marks