What drill bit

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Trying to drill through some stainless brackets that I need to mount onto my bullbar. I take it by killing two drill bits that a standard drill bit won't go through stainless ?? What type of drill bit do I need and would it be expensive ?? It's probably the only time I will drill through stainless. It's probably about 2mm thick (it's actually 2 GME brackets I'm modifying) or am I better of just calling into a metal fabrication place and getting them to drill 2x7mm holes ?? Cheers Steve

[Corigator Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Corigator]

Steve,

Apparently a Cobalt bit it the preferred bit, but some say you can use HSS if you lubricate it during the drilling process.

[fido666 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close fido666]

Hey Steve, you need a bit marked HSS (High Speed Steel). All drill bits should have the type of bit marked on the shaft but I've noticed some don't. They aren't that expensive from the big green shed. Just make sure you get the right shaft (the standard round type most likely) to match your drill.

[LeighW Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LeighW]

As above, HSS preferably in a pedestal drill so you can apply pressure, also
use lube and as low a speed as practical.

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

A HSS or Cobalt bit will both do the job, the trick I found when drilling stainless steel boat rails etc. was to keep the drill speed down.
A high speed will quickly overheat and kill the drill bit, slow speed and some lubrication is the way to go.

Lee

[Ozpat Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ozpat]

Also Steve don't rush it. Keep the bit sharp and cool, chilling and resharpening often if necessary. Cool the stainless as well as it will dull the bit faster if too hot.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Don't have a drill stand but can use my neighbours vice. My drill is just your standard two speed drill... Cheers Steve

[photoprado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close photoprado]

In that case, use lots of cutting fluid and drill in short bursts at lowest speed letting things cool down in between. Have someone dribble the cutting fluid onto the bit as it turns.

Or find someone with a pedestal drill you can use.

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

Steve, its like this, look after your shaft and the head, keep it lubricated and try not to get too excited with the speed. A steady rhythm (speed) will keep the whole experience a pleasurable one. Same process applies to drilling steel. Oh wait, that's all been said once or twice, just not with the same finesse.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

LOLOL MLC, WELL I had it done for me by one of the blokes at work . He handled the whole situation and did it nice and slowly so it didn't get to hot, kept a steady hand and well lubricated and did it twice, he even put it up on a pedestal just to make it easier !!!!!! Ended up with a great finish as per picture. There are two original holes from the GME bracket, but had to drill another one just under the letter E so I could attach the black bracket with the allan key head[IMG][/IMG]

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

The key to drilling steel is slowly & give it a break, if you cook it, you will blunt it & then get nowhere.
Get good at sharpening drill bits, sometimes I find I need to sharpen a few times to get through tuff stuff.

[VKPrado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close VKPrado]

As the others have said but if you do get the steel to hot it will work harden and with stainless makes it very difficult to then drill. Also try using a pilot drill (smaller drill) before using the actual sized drill you need.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Yea all done VK, one of the maintenance guys offered to do it for me. But yes everything mentioned here he did. Nice n slow, used a cooling/cutting paste and did it on a drill stand so all nicely lined up. The tips will come in handy for any further things I may need to do involving stainless, much appreciated... Cheers Steve

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

"Put it up on a pedals tool!!?,!" Now that's bragging.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

LOL I wish.....