Is it possible to clip a cone without a lathe or mill?

[RASM]

Hello, I'm looking at using clipped cones for my future 223 suppressor, but I have no idea what diameter to drill the holes in the end of the cones, and how to clip the cones without a lathe. Is it possible to do it with a drill press? Thanks for the help.

[John A.]

You can clip with a drill press.

It wouldn't hurt to have an XY vise though. It would be pretty dangerous to do while holding onto it with your paws.

[RASM]

How big should I make the clips? Is it even going to make a difference on 556?
Here's my cone baffle: https://gyazo.com/8c64cd46cc7b10db0017c58f8a7412ec Tried to isolate it amongst the others.

[T-Rex]

Yes, clipping will greatly improved performance.
Get a hole saw close to the baffle OD and put a hole in a piece of 2x4, 5/4x4, 1x4, etc.
Cut from the center of the hole out towards one side.
Place wood in vise (saw kerf parallel to vise jaw), baffle in hole, center baffle to drill spindle.
Make witness mark between wood and vise.
Go to town

[partsguy22]

careful application of a dremel or die grinder can work as well

for that matter a round file can get the job done

[yondering]

Clipping cones can be as simple as a chainsaw file by hand. I'm not sure why you'd try to use a drill press, and a lathe isn't what you want either unless you have a milling attachment.

As mentioned, a dremel or die grinder is an easy way to do it as well, but frankly if you have to ask the question, you probably shouldn't be using either of those. Both are good tools for turning nice parts to scrap when used by inexperienced people.

[a_canadian]

Pulling fingers into cutters is another handy application for a Dremel or die grinder. The temptation for noobs is often to dig too deep, too fast, without a proper means of securing the workpiece. But a simple slotted jig with a circle cut the size of the far end of the cone, clamped in a vise, can provide some security. Rocking the Dremel down onto the cone tip with both hands on it and partially on the vise provides more safety. Just rock down lightly, nibbling away until there's enough of a clip. A 1/4" carving burr works, or a diamond cylinder, or even a grinding burr. Just be aware that whatever bit you use, it'll want to jump in one direction if there's too much pressure applied and/or the tool isn't held securely.