Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: toomanyknots on December 26, 2013, 09:39:44 am

Title: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: toomanyknots on December 26, 2013, 09:39:44 am
Just wondering. I googled it a bit, but I am still not sure what I should go for, or where to find it. I want to drill threw something pretty thin to make a guide for a shaft to go through on a router jig. I was using wood, but it just wore out way too fast. I'd also like to drill through some trade points and the like, to insert a little pin to help hold in it place.
Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: Pat B on December 26, 2013, 09:55:30 am
You may have to anneal the steel first if it is very hard.
Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: Cardboard_Duck on December 26, 2013, 10:05:11 am
I've drill through hardened steel (around 59-60RC) with cobalt bits before. All I use are cobalt bits, the DeWalt cobalt split points are decent as well as the Ridgid colfdire cobalts. Just take it slow and don't get the bit hot, some people use cutting oil, but I have had bad luck with the stuff.
Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: Thesquirrelslinger on December 26, 2013, 11:09:17 am
for mild steel, unhardened, I have used TIN coated bits(titanium nitride) with great success.
For high carbon, UNHARDENED, also TIN coated.
TIN will cut hardened steel, but it will dull quickly- so use something else.
Cobalt is best for hardened steel- or special carbide tipped bits(no, not mansory bits).
I have drilled holes in old files with TIN bits- but you must anneal the file first.

Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: paulsemp on December 26, 2013, 11:36:30 am
Low rpm
Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: Cardboard_Duck on December 26, 2013, 11:59:14 am
Anything harder than soft butter will destroy those titanium coated bits. HSS is the next in line under cobalt I believe.
Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: toomanyknots on December 26, 2013, 12:35:39 pm
Thanks yall. Merry christmas by the way!
Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: killir duck on December 26, 2013, 01:14:42 pm
i'm a custom knifemaker so i drill alot of pin and lanyard holes, i always use dewalt cobalt bits, they do where out fairly quikly on hardened steel, so i always drill blades before i harden and temper
Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: bushboy on December 26, 2013, 06:36:06 pm
e stated go very slowly,drill wax works very well also.I drill losta stainless at work,if yay heat the bit up to much ,it's toast.
Title: Re: What drill bit to drill through steel?
Post by: RyanR on December 26, 2013, 07:04:58 pm
Low rpm
+1 otherwise you will overheat and trash your bit.