When setting the drill stop, what should lie beyond the far side of the material?

When setting the drill stop, it is essential that the largest diameter of the drill-reamer lies beyond the far side of the material being drilled. The primary reason is that when drilling through materials, the size of the drill bit directly affects the integrity and finish of the hole. A larger diameter drill reamer guarantees that the hole will be adequately cleared and will address any burrs that may form on the exit side of the material.

Ensuring the largest diameter extends beyond the far side allows for proper removal of material as the drill exits, preventing issues such as binding, chipping, or tearing of the material. This practice also aids in maintaining dimensional tolerance and surface finish, which are critical in aerospace applications where precision is paramount. Other options, such as the smallest diameter or the shortest length of the drill bit, do not take into account the necessary clearance to handle various material thicknesses or the drill bit’s interaction with the material upon exit. Standard lengths may provide guidance but do not necessarily address the importance of the drill bit's diameter relative to material thickness for successful drilling operations.