Drilling holes in steel

[Zick]

I needed something to drill an 1-1/2" hole in some C-Channel in my cheap menards drill press.
These were a little pricey but have worked really well.

Hougen 1187 Fractional Rotacut Combo Kit - 19 Piece, 5/16 to 1-1/2 Inch - - Amazon.com

 

[Big Barn]

I needed something to drill an 1-1/2" hole in some C-Channel in my cheap menards drill press.
These were a little pricey but have worked really well.

Hougen 1187 Fractional Rotacut Combo Kit - 19 Piece, 5/16 to 1-1/2 Inch - - Amazon.com

Buy extra arbors so that each cutter has its own. A small investment for time saved.

Terry

 

[void777]

bcp
Step drill bit works great and your 1/8 pilot is the next best method .

 

[Zick]

Buy extra arbors so that each cutter has its own. A small investment for time saved.

Terry

That's a great idea. This is one complaint I have about this kit. After using a cutter, it's a PITA to remove from the arbor as the twisting action causes it to lock on even tighter.

Edit: Well maybe I won't after all...The arbors are over $20 a piece!

 

[davedj1]

I drill up to 1" holes with a steel bit in my drill press that only slows down to 225 rpm's. I sharpen the bits myself and have learned the angle that works for me over the years. Nothing scientific, just a grinder and an eyeball. The pilot hole sizing is imperative as well and a little lube
BTW don't buy a Rigid drill press from HD, it sucks, the arbor wobbles. I went back and b@#$%&d about it but they told me the next one would probably be just as bad! So I'm stuck with it.
I've been on the hunt for a good old drill press , one of these days I will find one on CL.

 

[Big Barn]

That's a great idea. This is one complaint I have about this kit. After using a cutter, it's a PITA to remove from the arbor as the twisting action causes it to lock on even tighter.

Edit: Well maybe I won't after all...The arbors are over $20 a piece!

Really!

Mine came off the tool truck that used to call on me. I'm uncertain what I paid for them but I'm sure it wasn't that much even considering I was the smallest "customer" on his route.

Must have been the tunes and my sunny disposition!

Terry

 

[dragoneggs]

Buy extra arbors so that each cutter has its own. A small investment for time saved.

Terry

I am discovering this little trick very slowly over years. :newhere: I realized after collecting a few hole saws that were trashed, the arbor was worth having around. I do usually separate mine after a job to clean out the hole saw so it doesn't contaminate the next job depending on material.