Drilling 1/4" and thicker metal with a hand drill

[Rock Crawler]

Just a note, as a lifetime hardware store "cheap" drill bit user, I recently had to make new leaf spring shackles for my 12K lb trailer, so I used 1/4" plate. I was destroying my 1/2" drill bits in 1 hole. So I went to the tool room at work and asked what they would give to a machinist on site who want to drill 1/2" holes. They told me that for Machinists, they stock "Supertanium" bits by Hertel. So I went online and ordered one and wow! That thing glides through the plate like butter! I used my inferred thermometer and checked after each hole to see what kind of temps the actual bit was getting to, and I was surprised to see 127°F as the peak observed temp just above the cutting edge.

With the cheap "titanium" bits running the same 660 RPM and lubricating with the same WD-40 the bits would be black, burnt, and destroyed with medium hand pressure on the feed wheel. I punched 9 holes with this Supertanium and cleaned it off. Honestly, if I handed it to you and asked if it was new or used... you would have a heck of a time telling! I may have to concede to buying a real live set of quality Supertanium bits.

 

[BukitCase]

RC, I couldn't find ANYTHING called "supertanium" online, DID find that Hertel was bought by Kennametal - NOTHING on their site either;

Got a link?? Thanks... Steve

 

[Rock Crawler]

RC, I couldn't find ANYTHING called "supertanium" online, DID find that Hertel was bought by Kennametal - NOTHING on their site either;

Got a link?? Thanks... Steve

Sorry, Supertanium II
Supertanium(R) II Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit - P7123A | LawsonProducts.com

 

[jrdepew]

Drilling holes with a nice drill press and a high quality bit is a treat. I have a nicer set of bits that I save for my more precise work (even my "precise" work is not anywhere near what a machinist would call "precise" btw). I have an older drill index of decent bits that get the brunt of the work...and then there are the dewalt sets I buy when on sale and use for all construction type work. When they burn up they get tossed and I buy a new set when they are on sale.

 

[BukitCase]

Thanks RC - they won't say price unless you "log in" - if you don't mind, do you remember what they cost?? Steve

 

[Rock Crawler]

I got one on eBay for $35, just bought the 1/2".

 

[Rock Crawler]

But I'm thinking of committing to that entire set... I hate to see the price... But I'm expecting $250 ish?

 

[Big Barn]

Drilling 1/4" and thicker metal with a hand drill

Thanks RC - they won't say price unless you "log in" - if you don't mind, do you remember what they cost?? Steve

How's that saying go?? ... "If you have (TO LOG IN and) ask you can't afford it". or something like that? Can't remember. Getting old....