Best drill bit for 14 gauge stainless?

[Frank]

I need to drill several holes through some 14 gauge stainless and so far I have ruined 2 drill bits. I cannot use a drill press as it is on a car. What is the best kind of drill bit to use and how to be most effective? These are about 7/64th size.

 

[hofferwood]

P.M. your address and I'll send ya a couple 1/8" guys.
These are the ones used in the auto drilling machines, that hog out the holes in overrunning clutch races. (G.M. transmissions)
Damm long sentance
Caught me in a good mood.
Chuck

 

[Frank]

P.M. your address and I'll send ya a couple 1/8" guys.
These are the ones used in the auto drilling machines, that hog out the holes in overrunning clutch races. (G.M. transmissions)
Damm long sentance
Caught me in a good mood.
Chuck

That'd be awesome! PM'd you my address

 

[hofferwood]

They're in the envelope, I'll try to get 'em out tomorrow.
You have your location posted, you get 'em FREE
Chuck

 

[reinhardt]

not only is the bit you use important, but also how you use it. use good quality tapping/drilling oil. good steady pressure on the drill and lower speed. you want to let the bit do the work. if you go full speed and heavy pressure you will burn the bits up quick. i usually use cobalt bits on stainless.

ben

 

[clutch93]

I'm having the same issue with some stainless I was trying to drill through. Granted I have cheap bits to start with, but usually they get me by. What kind of bits are these your talking about?

 

[djjsr]

Try cobalt bits. They're more money but they work pretty well.

 

[reinhardt]

lowes or home depot should have cobalt bits on the shelf no problem. more than likely the cheapies you are burning up say 'HSS' on the drill bit. they work good in reg steel, but not in stainless. get some quality (gonna be expensive) cobalt bits and take your time, plenty of oil and slow speed. dont forget the safety glasses!

ben

 

[hofferwood]

The ones I'm sending should be ok,"Guhring"

Chuck

 

[clutch93]

Hey Chuck, How much are you charging for sending out one of those bits?

 

[mike13u]

Use a step drill. Works great in thin stuff and you wont break it. Go slow so you dont 'step' to the size bigger than you need.

 

[larry_g]

not only is the bit you use important, but also how you use it. use good quality tapping/drilling oil. good steady pressure on the drill and lower speed. you want to let the bit do the work. if you go full speed and heavy pressure you will burn the bits up quick. i usually use cobalt bits on stainless.

ben

To add to what Ben says, stainless will work harden if you rub it. So pay attention that the bit is cutting. If you are not seeing chips then your rubbing and your done. Slow speed and good pressure keeps cutting and the heat down. If the material is a panel on the car that tends to move away if to much pressure is put on it then back it up with something that will keep it steady.

lg
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