[TheForge] Drilling hard metal

[Demon Buddha]

A solid carbide twist drill will effectively bore holes in hard 
materials.  The only problem is that they work far better when there is 
a pilot hole.  For example, I have bored precise holes in full-hard H-13 
  and D-2 die bushings, but they had rough holes in them prior to heat 
treat.  I don't think they would work very well without enough of a 
pilot to take the stress off of the web of the bit at the tip, which 
does no cutting.

Diamond bits are still the way to go. :)

	-Andy

Chuck Robinson wrote:
> I generally find that using a good quality carbide drill bitt,  a slow 
> speed, light pressure and Rio Grand Burr Life Lubricant does the  job 
> for me.
> Using too much pressure and speed without a proper lubricant will work 
> harden the metal in the drill zone to the point that it will even eat 
> carbide drills.
> Chuck
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bruce Freeman" <FREEMAB at pt.fdah.com>
> To: <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 11:44 AM
> Subject: Re: [TheForge] Drilling hard metal
> 
> 
>> Why not use the same trick used for drilling rock and glass:  An
>> abrasive material driven by the end of a copper rod in a drill press.
>> Can't get any cheaper than that.  I haven't tried it myself, though.
>>
>> Bruce
>> NJ
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>> theforge mail list group photo site is
>> http://www.photoaccess.com
>> Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
>> password:  anvil
>> ___________
>>
>>
>>
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> theforge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.photoaccess.com
> Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> password:  anvil
> ___________
> 
> 
>