Thread: Drilling Steel

Depends on what size you want to drill

1/16” – 3/16” 3000 rpm

1/4” – 3/8” 1000

7/16” – 5/8” 600

11/16” – 1” 350

depends on Material and size of the drill

this should help

Thanks fellas. Much appreciated.

Regards
Glenn

Hi Glenn,

I know you said steel but for those who haven't drilled Brass previously (and this applies to plastics e.g. Acrylic) you will have to remove the sharp postive cutting edge that grabs (and wants to go into the material quicker than you expected).

The solution is simple - Using the bench /pedestal grinder, align the axis parallel to the flat side of the wheel and gently remove the sharp positive rake edge of the drill lips, equally on both sides. This will (if done correctly) eradicate the grabbing action of the drill.

MH

The solution is simple - Using the bench /pedestal grinder, align the axis parallel to the flat side of the wheel and gently remove the sharp positive rake edge of the drill lips, equally on both sides.

This is avery good tip.
With the much smaller bits, use a silicon carbide oilstone, not the grinder.

If it hasn't hapened to any,
they might have no idea at all what you/we are talking about.

Perhaps let them try drilling some Brass with a small drill bit.
eg 5/32".......um 3.5-4.0mm

Doesn't Brass drill slower than Steel,
or just the larger Diameters?

Originally Posted by Ivan in Oz

If it hasn't hapened to any,
they might have no idea at all what you/we are talking about.

Perhaps let them try drilling some Brass with a small drill bit.
eg 5/32".......um 3.5-4.0mm

Doesn't Brass drill slower than Steel,
or just the larger Diameters?

if you have a look at the chart above, you'll notice that is actually faster, 45 m/min as a opposed to 30m/min for mild steel.