Drilling stainless steel

[Billrog]

Take Oldpath05's advice !!!

 

[NoTrespassing]

I will be starting a project in a few weeks that will require me to drill stainless steel. Couple of questions; will I need any specialized drill bits? What is the best liquid lubricant to spray during the process? I remember seeing one recommended by several on TBN but can't remember the name. Thanks for any and all advice.

How many holes?
What diameter?
Thickness of material?
RPM is determined by diameter/work alloy/tool material
Keep tool lubed and cool

Kevin

 

[Overtaxed]

If it's a small hole, just get a cobalt drill bit and go at it. Go slower than usual, put some cutting oil on it, and best case, a drill press.

If it's a big hole, well then, we've got another ball of wax here. I had to blow some really large holes in 1/2 hardened SS (mower blades) recently. I have a big drill press, so, at least I had that going for me. Started with bi-metal hole saw. Barely scratched it. Moved on to a monster drill bit, ruined that too (there's a name for these bits, where the bit is bigger than the shank, don't recall it though). Anyway, finally broke down and bought a carbine cutter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002PS7I0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cut it with ease. If you're cutting thick steel, the right tool is an annular cutter, but I don't have the right connection on my drill press for it (I could get one, but that's another 200 bucks). The bit I linked worked very well, blew 2 holes in about 10 minutes using that bit, some cutting oil, and my drill press on around 120 RPM.

I do wish they'd make an annular cutter for a standard shank. That's the "real" right tool for big holes in steel, but it's got a lot of cost associated with that first hole, so it depends on how many/much your gonna use it.

 

[PILOON]

I've had good luck with Dormer drill bits so far.
Others I usually have trashed in short time.

 

[denchen]

With a fine diamond file, keep the cutting edge sharp. Keep the pressure on, steady speed and don`t let the bit spin without cutting.

 

[thekkfan]

Someone asked about thickness but no answer???

How many holes and diameter? Preciseness and cleanliness of holes? Got a plasma cutter?

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Someone asked about thickness but no answer???

How many holes and diameter? Preciseness and cleanliness of holes? Got a plasma cutter?

Probably only 10-12 holes, 1/8 material. Based on the replies so far, this shouldn't be a difficult task. I don't have a plasma but do have a small bench top drill press. I feel like I'll be good to go when get to the project.

 

[NoTrespassing]

Probably only 10-12 holes, 1/8 material. Based on the replies so far, this shouldn't be a difficult task. I don't have a plasma but do have a small bench top drill press. I feel like I'll be good to go when get to the project.

Always clamp or put a stop on the drill press table when drilling thin material to keep it from spinning when you break through. You probably already knew that though.

 

[Industrial Toys]

If the SS does not have it's protective plastic coating, put masking tape around the hole to keep the turnings from making a circle on your material.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Slow RPM drilling speed, use medium pressure, and add WestLube to cut and keep the material cool.

G.T.G. KC