Drill bits-what do you use?

Oh crap... so square pipe is hard to drill? I want to make a NWG myself and I will be facing that very same problem soon. It is mild steel... it shouldn't harden in any way! I will let you know...

Mikel

there is a weld line inside all square pipe. Don't drill that side or at least avoid the weld line. The rest of the square pipe should be fairly mild. Most square pipe is made of recycled steel unless it is certified and it will be lot more expensive. You will hit an occasional hard spot but generally, it's pretty soft stuff.

to keep to the thread, I use Cobalt bits, split point 135 degree jobber length. Cobalt is tough stuff and stays sharp longer than anything other than carbide. The 135 degree is for metal and the split point helps stop the bit from wandering. the jobber length simply means a slight shorter than 'average' length bit and is slightly sturdier due to the shorter length but it is also cheaper due to the industrial use vs. consumer use bits.
 
The square tubing should be easy to drill . It maybe a bit work hardened from the forming process, but, still easy to drill. Either dull bits or not enough pressure. I have drilled thousands of hole in all kinds of steel. I lean on the bits pretty heavy, if it is small diameter you have to watch for defection. I hate hand drills because it is hard to get enough straight pressure and I weight near 300# and it ain't all fat.
 
You know, I really think its funny that so many people here mentioned the drill doctor, especially considering how expensive they are. I was fortunate in having a friend who was a machinist who showed me how to sharpen drill bits freehand. for all the skills that are necessary to make a good knife I can think of several things that are harder. If it were me I would go to a local machine shop and ask for a guy willing to show you how to sharpen bits, and offer him a crisp $50. I learned in about 10 min, although it takes practise like everything else. I have even sharpened 1/16" bits(this does take some practise)

On a side note, to anyone who is going to ashokan, bring your dull drill bits and I will show anyone there how to sharpen their drill bits on a bader grinder, this includes "fixing" broken bits.
Thanks,
Del
 
Oh crap... so square pipe is hard to drill? I want to make a NWG myself and I will be facing that very same problem soon. It is mild steel... it shouldn't harden in any way! I will let you know...

Mikel

In general the square tub was a breeze to drill, but one piece I got just gave me fits. I did over build my NWG. The plans called for a 1/8" wall thickness on the base, but I found a piece of tubing that was the right size with 1/4" thick walls. That one piece was a fight the whole time.
If I have learned one thing it is to use lots of oil when you drill or tap holes.
 
ive always had the best luck with Irwin drill bits and when they dull, i like the rest, resharpen on my drill doctor
 
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