Drilling through metal can be a tricky undertaking. Broken bits, flying metal fragments, and improperly sized holes are just some issues you might encounter if you drill with the wrong materials or use the wrong processes. Improve your cutting process with these tips for efficiently drilling through metal.
Lubricating the drill bit and material will improve accuracy and extend the life of the bit. Metal is dense and retains heat, but using a lubricant will reduce friction to all heat build-up to dissipate. This prevents excess heat from damaging the bit and the metal.
The lubricant also improves chip evacuation. This improves the cut quality and helps you machine faster, saving you time and hassle. Choose a reputable cutting tool lubricant to protect the bit and material.
Another tip for efficiently drilling through metal is to choose the right drill bit. A general-purpose bit often cannot handle drilling through metals because of the material’s density and heat retention.
Durable, quality drill bits deliver reliable results. High-speed drill bits work on many materials, including stainless steel. High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are highly resistant to heat generated from high-speed drilling and help you save time working on dense materials.
Drilling into metal too quickly will cause the metal to overheat and can break the bit. If you drill too slowly, the work takes longer than it should. Similarly, applying too much pressure can damage the metal, but insufficient pressure can cause your drill bit to get stuck in the material.
Follow your drill bit manufacturer’s recommended operating speeds for a given material. Some drill bits can spin at roughly the same RPM for materials as different as softwood and steel, whereas other drill bits need substantially lower speeds for hard materials.
Using an appropriate cutting oil for the job and the right drill bit will protect the bit and help you produce clean cuts. Follow your drill bit manufacturer’s guidelines to work at the right speed for your material. These tips will help you save time and create quality cuts in your metal project.
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