How to Drill Holes in Metal: Master the Drill Press

Comments · 470

• DR

  @dr.feelgood2358 · 2 years ago

  I do a lot of work with stainless (304 and 316 mostly), and the key is to keep the friction low.  sharp cutting edge, cooling and/or lubrication, slow rpm (around 300 I think), and plenty of feed pressure.  if you don't press hard enough, the bit is dragging while cutting, which builds up heat and instantly work hardens the metal, and quickly dulls the bit...it's really a downward spiral from there.

  272

• JO

  @johnnelson8714 · 1 year ago

  A way to get rid if the "stringy" chip that i was taught as an apprentice some 50 yrs. ago is to ease up on the handle momentarily then resume the feed pressure to continue with the drilling operation. With a little practice you can break the chip at abo I t any lenth desired.

  12

• TH

  @TheNyhm1 · 2 years ago

  Your title “drill steel like butter” with a pic drilling through aluminum 😂

  88

• TO

  @toycoma98 · 2 years ago

  Rag covering magnet to clean up the shavings

  30

• RO

  @RossMarsden · 2 years ago

  I was expecting some discussion of feed rate. Put some pressure on the drill, make the drill work, peck to break the chip, and ease off a little as you break through.

  8

• DA

  @Dave-ty2qp · 1 year ago

  That's about the best baseline instruction video that I have ever seen.  I worked aviation for over 50 years, and most folks there didn;t even understand the properties of metals.  The softer and thinner the material the faster the drill speed and lighter the pressure.  The harder and thicker the material the slower the speed and harder the pressure.Thanks for a gresat video.

  129

• DA

  @danielstickney2400 · 2 years ago

  I find step bits often make better deburring tools than countersinks because they are self-centering and don't chatter. They're also the easiest way to center a bigger hole on an existing hole, especially if you are drilling freehand. In thicker stock use the step bit to enlarge the hole then switch bits to go deeper

  84

• CA

  @CaptCha-p2q · 1 year ago

  Excellent post. Lots of info and no bothersome music!

  27

• MA

  @marekzalewski8447 · 1 year ago

  I'm a beginner and have much to learn on these topics. Your videos are very well produced and very helpful. Thank you

  11

• JO

  @johnypitman2368 · 1 year ago

  These are the types of videos that I love they teach the basics but provide good baseline information to get you started. the latex cutting fluid is a great tip.

  16

• CA

  @carbonunit6573 · 2 years ago

  In my 26th year of working with metal those black and gold drill bits are the best. Way better than cobalt.

  6

• NI

  @nickrobbins8751 · 7 months ago

  I appreciate not making us suffer through the typical 5 minutes of bs small talk waste of time. Great videos i enjoyed

  1