drilling holes

[Chilly807]

Do a google search for "drill cutting speed chart", among others this will come up..

Drill Press Speed Chart

There are more exact methods, but this works.

Sean

 

[Bill_C]

If you intend on doing any metal fabrication work at all, by that I mean even only a couple of small brackets every few months, I'd highly recommend a drill press. Holes are much more precise, not only are you able to drill to a finer location but also they'll be straight and not wallowed out along the edges. A drill press is safer, easier on the operator when doing big holes, and drill bits last longer. Even the offshore drill presses are acceptable for light hobby work around the house, for a couple hundred bucks you can get a pretty nice floor standing model with 16 speeds or so.

The slower speeds available on a drill press really help. I can use reduced-shank drill bits and drill up to 1" diameter holes.

 

[paulinkansas]

Get some el cheapo step bits. The pilot hole they drill will be 1/8 to 1/4 inch. They work much better than normal drill bits if you have to keep going up in size to reach the size of the hole you want. That's been my experience. YMMV.

 

[mjncad]

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?
PRODUCTS

I have one of those torches...save your money.

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.

That was one of my thoughts too.

As for the drillbit speed, how do I know what is fast/slow enough for the bit & material? is there some guidelines somewhere on where to start?

Do you have access to a Machinery's Handbook? They have extensive drill speed selection charts, and formulas for calculating the proper RPM.

 

[travis potter]

I have yet to buy a tit bit that was any good............. They all just burn up and as I understand it is only a coating on a cheep drill rod. Your torch hardened the steel and it is very hard to drill after it is hardened. I drill stainless steel with just a bit purchased at a machine shop supplier but you must drill very slow count the revs ( that slow) if the bit speeds up 1 time it hardens the ss and it will take several bits to finish the hole. this is up to 1/4" holes in 16 ga ss. Just my thoughts on the subject.

 

[mjncad]

I have yet to buy a tit bit that was any good.............

Bits of **** are always good; as for titanium coated bits, that's another subject to be debated.

 

[dan_d]

Bits of **** are always good;......

Amen to that, brother! :thumbsup::licking:

I haven't had a chance to try drilling a non-welded piece yet, but i'll definitely report back on success (or lack thereof) when i do... Given that i just pulled out the haybine yesterday i suspect something will break sooner or later that needs repair

Chilly807, thanks for that link; bookmarked!

Dan