drilling holes

[dan_d]

Hi,
Until now i've been relying on the father-in-law's machine for emergency use, but I recently scored myself a old AirCo AC225 welder from an auction for $25, so i can finally start some "real" work Anyways, I was trying to drill a hole thru some angle iron that i picked up a while back and pretty much demolished an entire set of drill bits trying to get a 3/8" hole drilled! And this is even after I had poked a starter hole thru with some 6013@200A (didn't have any 6011 at the time)! Is there something better than titanium-coated bits from the local hardware store? They worked pretty well on the old steel frame i was fixing up (neighbour's *really* old field roller) but when i tried to drill the new stuff I welded on I wasted a good 30min on that one hole!:confused2:

As much as i'd love a torch, i doubt one is in the budget for this year, i've already got about 4 other major projects lined up... tho I did see a tiny kit with the benzomatic red & yellow cans for like $75 one time, dunno if it would do any better or not?

Thanks for any tips!
Dan

P.S: Here's the kit... looks like it may not be strong enough for my needs?
http://www.bernzomatic.com/PRODUCTS...etail/mid/1147/xmid/6954/xmfid/3/Default.aspx

 

[yomax4]

Sorry, the Bernzomatic mini set is wayyy expensive to run. You pay about as much for the gas as you would for 10 times bigger bottles. Also, the Torch is a Toy. Save up and get a real torch set. Also, Hardened steel like bed frames and what you are working with are hard on drill bits. I have had some luck in the past with a die grinder and a carbide burr after getting a pilot hole done. . I now have Plasma, Torch, Saws etc. So I am lucky to not be dealing with that hard material. Good luck..

 

[sal64]

hello first tit coated is only needed for highspeed drilling or milling i have been a machinist 27 years never needed or used tit coated, they look good so homeowners buy them. this is a good set at msc ind supplie, also sharping a drill right is important.

Order Qty of 1 = (1) 29 Piece Set
Price: $146.86 ea
In stock: 54
Mfr: Precision Twist Drill
Mfr #: 090162

Description: Sets - Drills Type: Jobber Size Range: 1/16-1/2x64ths
Type: Jobber
Size Range: 1/16-1/2x64ths
Fractional Size: 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 11/64, 3/16, 13/64, 7/32, 15/64, 1/4, 17/64, 9/32, 19/64, 5/16, 21/64, 11/32, 23/64, 3/8, 25/64, 13/32, 27/64, 7/16, 29/64, 15/32, 31/64, 1/2
Material: HSS
Finish/Coating: Bright
Number of Pieces: 29
Drill Grade: General Purpose
Point Angleｰ: 118

 

[lostcause]

it has been my experience that if you have to drill holes, it is cheaper and faster to buy new angle and not ruin drill bits, as opposed to free bed frames with frustration and dull, blue drill bits.

 

[Egon]

Maybe a set of better quality bits and some cutting oil!:thumbsup:

 

[CurlyDave]

Cobalt drill bits cost more than the usual ones, but last longer.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Over speeding your bit might cause the problem. It took me a while to figure out the bigger the bit, the slower I needed to go. Now, I only break one here or there from my impatience.

 

[MossRoad]

I always start with a pilot hole of, say 1/16" in really hard stuff. Then I move up progressively to the final size.

 

[BrentD]

It's also possible that poking the hole with the welder might have done something to the metal's temper that made it harder to drill.

 

[Scooby074]

It's also possible that poking the hole with the welder might have done something to the metal's temper that made it harder to drill.

:thumbsup:

temper or entrapped slag. plus the jagged edge of the burned hole will kill bits. especially cheap offshore ones.

good bits + oil and proper speed =