Enlarging center hub hole on rims: Opinions!

[ERratIC]

This is a really bad idea. Not only are you likely to wreck your wheels, and not machine them properly, but it's also possible you're going to injure yourself attempting this.

Depending on a persons mechanical abilities, I guess. If you are not comfortable with fabrication or power tools YOU might injure yourself and not machine them properly but it HAS been done many times. If they are not hub centric they will be fine. I would not try this method on steel rims though!

[Paladin]

My mechanical abilities are much higher than average, and I would never try that. That's why I have a mill and a lathe. I would take it to a machine shop if I didn't have the tools.

[ERratIC]

What is your concern with it?

[Paladin]

Well, first of all, how do you get the bore straight when you're holding the router by hand? Could have tapered walls, etc. The safety concerns are many. The router could jump out of your hands. Or the bit could explode.

Are people seriously machining metal with a router?

[ERratIC]

If you keep the base of the router on the mounting surface or your fixture the bit will be at 90deg. You can cut aluminum not steel with a router. .551" would require 2 or 3 passes just so the router stays in control and ensuring the final cut is square.
Yes people are cutting aluminum all the time with routers, skill saws, table saws, etc.
It was just an option. I would use my CNC milling machine