Drill bit suggestion needed

[Gramps]

I have an occasional need to bore a 1/8" and or a 1/4" hole in hardened high carbon steel. I really don't want to anneal the piece unless I must. What brand and source for drill bits do you recommend?

 

[Go-Fly]

How hard of steel are we talking?

 

[johnnyC]

use a carbide drill bit, have used them on grade eight bolts and they go through them like butter but they are expensive

 

[monkeyswrench]

Are the holes needed to be exact? If not, the way I've done some is with a cheap masonry bit. Problem is they aren't precise, but will make the hole.

 

[rivermobster]

Since you'll be ordering online I think...

https://www.grainger.com/?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2296:13W2P6:20500731&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp5qsBhAPEiwAP0qeJv84yGHkeNRRT38-yZYOE-D2mayD69W5TK7Bj1Bom7aI2FomNFB9ghoCFssQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[TPC]

I use Cobalt's buy them on Amazon. Amazing, worth the few bucks more. Even though rated for high speed I use the slowest speed tolerable.

They have been excellent:

https://www.amazon.com/MACXCOIP-Hardened-Stainless-Plastics-Storage/dp/B0BDKR2KFZ/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=cobalt%2Bdrill%2Bbits&qid=1703349113&sr=8-8&th=1

 

[mattyc]

I have an occasional need to bore a 1/8" and or a 1/4" hole in hardened high carbon steel. I really don't want to anneal the piece unless I must. What brand and source for drill bits do you recommend?

How deep is the hole?

 

[lbhsbz]

All depends on what you're drilling....what grade steel and how hard? Is this with a handheld drill or are you using a drill press / mag drill? Do you need a nice clean hole that's round and on size or do you just need a hole that's close? How deep?

Be careful of solid carbide if you're running this by hand....real easy to break them. HSS or Cobalt will likely do the job just fine if you use it right. Get your speed right and feed it appropriately using a good lube (I like Oatey dark thread cutting oil...available at home depot in the plumbing section).

 

[Gramps]

drilling through either 1/8" flat or 3/16" flat....using either a drill press of if I need toI can use my mill. The 1/8" is a pre made knife blade"blank" the thicker material would be a farrier rasp not sure if it's 1095 or what

 

[lbhsbz]

drilling through either 1/8" flat or 3/16" flat....using either a drill press of if I need toI can use my mill. The 1/8" is a pre made knife blade"blank" the thicker material would be a farrier rasp not sure if it's 1095 or what

Solid Carbide. Feed pressure should not be a problem. You'll probably be running at max speed on the mill for 1/8"....look up the feeds and speeds from whoever manufactures your drill. Since your material is thin and chip clearing isn't a concern...I'd run one of these: https://www.mcmaster.com/products/d...~short/carbide-drill-bits-for-hardened-steel/

 

[coolchange]

drilling through either 1/8" flat or 3/16" flat....using either a drill press of if I need toI can use my mill. The 1/8" is a pre made knife blade"blank" the thicker material would be a farrier rasp not sure if it's 1095 or what

I knew it was for knives. Post em up!

 

[Gramps]

Thank you everyone

 

[jeteater1]

We used this a lot in our shop at Abbott. Helps

 

[Racey]

Be very careful trying to use solid carbide drills with hand feeding, especially in a diameter as small as 1/8". They are hella brittle and if you feed too much pressure the thing will instantly snap. It's very hard to get a feel for in that size because the spindle speed needs to be very high, so finding the balance of your hand feed rate is something that can only come from either luck or lots of trial. 3/16" diameter will be much more forgiving.

Carbide drills work way better in an NC machine where the feed rates are ultra consistent and the spindle has extreme rigidity

I would start with a Cobalt drill, they are about 1/5th the price of a carbide drill, and with the proper cutting speed and feed and cutting oil they will drill pretty hard material without too much trouble.

Run the shortest length bit you can get.

 

[Gramps]

I knew it was for knives. Post em up!

The blade is from Jantz supply.......Green River is good kitchen stuff

 

[rrrr]

Tap Magic will help.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Tap Magic will help.

I 2nd this.

 

[Gripside80]

Milwaukee red helix cobalt bits work pretty damn good. They rip through stainless over and over again. On the shelf at Home Depot near you.

 

[caldezrat]

EDM It can put a pin hole through a ball bearing.

 

[JUSTWANNARACE]

Straight flute carbide bit.. about $20 a piece for that size but well worth it. Good cutting oil!

 

[timstoy]

Can you send the knife back to the manufacturer for repairs? Some offer lifetime or low cost warranties.