Drilling stainless steel

[Jim]

I'm working myself up to cutting a hole for my SS boiler tap. I have one of those holesaw things made of spring steel - has anyone used such a thing to cut ss, and did it (the holesaw I mean) survive the process?

If not, I need recommendations for an alternative tool (please don't say I have to buy HSS drills - my wallet's already in intensive care!).

[Andy]

Don't you need a type of holesaw intended to drill metal as opposed to wood/plastic though!

[sparky Paul]

If you mean the type of thing I think you mean, I don't think one of those will make it through any thickness of stainless.

On steel, I use the bi-metal hole saws (Starrett, but there are other makes), and even these need some cutting fluid to last any length of time on stainless. There are some cheap unbranded kits on flea-bay, around £5-£10, but I'm not sure if they're any good...

What size hole do you need to cut?

[tubby_shaw]

These do a very good job
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/categ ... ig-welders


But, seriously be prepared for your hole saw to become very hot and very blunt. I think you are going to have to put your hand in your pocket again Jim

[Jim]

...I think you are going to have to put your hand in your pocket again Jim

Oh no!!!!!


Ta for the tips, by the way.

[Andy]

Amazon-Starret Hole Saw
Cheaper than I thought

(as long as it comes with the pilot drill and arbor)

Manufacturer's Description
...
Arbors to suit (available separately)
...

[sparky Paul]

Yes, Starrett cutters definitely do not come with the arbor, you have to purchase them separately. The arbors does come with one pilot drill though, and A1 arbors for the smaller sizes aren't too expensive, just over a fiver IIRC.

The A2 arbors for the bigger sizes (32mm+) are a bit more pricey though...

[Jim]

This place looks OK, but I need to drill a 20mm hole for the tank fitting and a 40mm hole for the element. Which means I need 2 different arbors.

Bugger!

[tubby_shaw]

There's always the old fashoined way of chain drilling and a half round file

[Jim]

There's always the old fashoined way of chain drilling and a half round file

Yes, there is always that! I've done it plenty of times. But I want a nice neat job here - plus the prospect of filing thin stainless steel doesn't thrill me.

[bod]

jim, i was going to use these bosch hole saws for drilling stainless steel tanks work, they use the same size arbor for the whole range.

they should get through those pots from ebay with no problems!

[bod]

oops, a link might be handy eh?!

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/cat ... 1&ts=12062

[Vossy1]

Hi Jim,

These are the part numbers for the arbor and Hole saws that I used for my E-bay pots. They have done 4 element holes and 3 tap holes, without lubricant and are still very sharp!

From Machine Mart

Arbor small 060238196 £6.46 inc vat
large 060238164 £10.20 inc vat
Hole saw 20mm £4.23 inc vat
40mm £6.93 inc vat

All made by Heller.

[Jim]

Bod, Vossy, thanks for those.

There's a machine mart not far away, so I might take a look over there.

The bosch ones might work out cheaper with only needing one arbour, but then there'll be post and packing - where did I put that calculator??

[Immy's Dad]

I have the latest issue of BYO which has detailed plans on drilling stainless for a tap and thermometer.

They advocate drilling a pilot hole first and then using a step drill. Something like this.

They also say to use medium speed and lots of pressure. (Plus lube!)