Big drill bits
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Diggin It
Super Star Member
By hand makes my wrists hurt. I'm always concerned with the drill hanging and making pretzels out of wrists. Size like that really needs to be done with a drill press if possible, which it isn't always.
radios1
Elite Member
here's one that will last. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Drill-A...ll-Bit-with-1-2-in-Shank-DWDCO1-1-2/308301051 make sure the rotational speed is 50 FPM or less, and it will last.. you'll get a much cleaner hole with this than with a hole saw!!.. you want the smoothest hole possible if it's used as a hole for a rotating part, since a rough hole will wear faster!.. BTW, RPM=FPM/(dia*.262)
Last edited:
JohnnyMX
Gold Member
Just did 1" in 1/2" steel. Got a high-moly Drill Hog bit and it cost around 25$. It was the size needed for a Cat1 pin so I figured I'd re-use that one and bought it off Amazon. I havent' tried the hole saw approach myself yet, but at the cost I imagine they are going to be a cheaper alternative. I went with the hi-moly bit, lube and a did it in a drill press set to as low as I could go (400rpm) I drilled a pilot 1/8", stepped up to a 1/2" and then just bored it out. Your hole is bigger and by the time you step it out it seems like you are "milling" the material.
repete
Veteran Member
After being abused by a "Hole hog" drill I bought one of these. At low speed it has a break away clutch that saves you from the reaction if there is a bind. I use 3 9/16" self feed bits and if one of these hangs up and you are on a ladder you will truly appreciate this drill when it makes the clicking noise and you are still on the ladder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000071NY...MIyNDk287n5gIVlRx9Ch0hRgdMEAAYASAAEgJ6i_D_BwE
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000071NY...MIyNDk287n5gIVlRx9Ch0hRgdMEAAYASAAEgJ6i_D_BwE
metalbender
Veteran Member
I have an old Cole drill. Not really practical in this day of power tools. Surprising how easy it is to drill a 3/4 inch hole in 1/2 steel material. Note I said easy, not fast. Interesting piece of kit for the shop.
radios1
Elite Member
to figure out the proper speed, use RPM=FPM/(dia*.262) use 50 FPM for steel.
TimberHole
Platinum Member
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I use annular cutters for big holes. You can buy an adapter for that style of cutter that goes in a 1/2" twist drill. If you are looking for some cheap big drill bits call Airparts in Merriam, KS. They are a family business and nice people. I know they have a good assortment of used bits but I don't remember how big. I assume many of those larger twist drill bits will come with a tapered shaft.
LD1
Epic Contributor
50FPM really only works well IF you can apply appropriate pressure. Which is usually hard to do when drilling by hand and you end up burning bits up.
Problem with hand drills is most of them spin WAY too fast for anything much over 3/4".
And if you want to constantly bind up and break a wrist and ruin bits.....then go ahead and slowly step up sizes. If you dont, then drill a pilot hole just larger than the web of the bit (usually ~1/4") and then go straight to size.
There is nothing worse than trying to drill a hole slightly larger than it already is. Which "may" be what you are in for anyway with trying to modify a bucket to fit your machine.
IF the new hole is to be a precise as possible and have a pin rotating in it, drill it 1/32 or 1/64 undersized and use a reamer.
GOOD bits are expensive. But a good bit will last the average person a lifetime if they simply know how to sharpen. Hertel black oxide bits are at the lower end of what I would consider good quality. CL, Cleveland, and PTD are more expensive, also all good.
Places like fastenal should stock larger bits
Problem with hand drills is most of them spin WAY too fast for anything much over 3/4".
And if you want to constantly bind up and break a wrist and ruin bits.....then go ahead and slowly step up sizes. If you dont, then drill a pilot hole just larger than the web of the bit (usually ~1/4") and then go straight to size.
There is nothing worse than trying to drill a hole slightly larger than it already is. Which "may" be what you are in for anyway with trying to modify a bucket to fit your machine.
IF the new hole is to be a precise as possible and have a pin rotating in it, drill it 1/32 or 1/64 undersized and use a reamer.
GOOD bits are expensive. But a good bit will last the average person a lifetime if they simply know how to sharpen. Hertel black oxide bits are at the lower end of what I would consider good quality. CL, Cleveland, and PTD are more expensive, also all good.
Places like fastenal should stock larger bits
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
I have the original version of that drill,
It's from the B&D Professional line of tools, made by Elu. Elu made some of the BEST power tools ever made, not sure who makes the current line?
I bought mine, after blowing the tranny on a Milwaukee Hole Hawg, and going on the job having a plumber telling me he had two Hole Hawgs with blown trannys on his bench in his shop.
My industrial tool dealer, told me the Elu was a MUCH better drill, so I bought one, and that was back on in the early 80's, I have nothing but good things to say about this drill.
For bigger holes, I try to use a drill press as much as possible,
but I realize that's not always possible. Also, when drilling, get your self a can of "Tap Magic", that stull really is magic!! Step drilling and Tap Magic IS the way to go!!
SR