drilling holes, is it suppose to take that long?

lionken07

lionken07

Joined
May 8, 2003
Messages
236
I just got a few blank 01 steel from texas knifemakers today. 1/8 thick.

I draw the basic layout just like what I found here http://hossom.com/tutorial/jonesy/

It took me about an hour just to drill one hole on the thing! I got so tired afterward that I had to call it a day. Now is it suppose to take that long to drill holes? or I'm missing something? there are about 30 holes that I need to drill...does that mean I have to spend 30 or so hours just to drill the holes? now keep in mind that I'm using a really old power drill for this task.

maybe better drill bits will help?

I didn't expect to drill through it like wood but didn't think it takes that long either...
any help will be helpful.
 
It shouldn't take an hour to drill a hole. A minute or two at most if I'm doing a real small hole like 1/16" or a hole over 1/4". Usually just a few seconds for an 1/8" hole.
Good drill bits help alot. I like the cobalt bits personally. If your drill bit is dull you're not going to get very far.
A drill press is a must.
Use lots of cutting fluid. Don't try to do the whole depth at once. Drill maybe .050 at a time, clearing chips and lubricating each time. To extend bit life you have to use the right amount of pressure. too much and it can dig in and break too little just wears the tip of the drill bit and creates too much heat. steady preasure is good. Ideally you would have something like steel wool coming out of the hole.
 
IT shouldn't take that long. I am guessing you were using a bad bit, or too high of speed. The bit you were using is probably shot by now. So first step is get a new bit. I recommend cobalt bits. You can use the standard HSS bits at any hardware store, but the cobalt bits last much longer, and if the steel isn't fully annealed, they drill much better. Make sure when you are drilling that the speed of the drill is rather slow. Also make sure that you are not generating too much heat when you are drilling. Let the bit do the work, you don't need to push very hard. Hope this helps. If it doesn't the steel is probably too hard, in which case you need to anneal it.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
Howdy There....!
I would agree with the above on this subject. First are the blades already shaped and ground..? If they are, then they are most likely have been heat treated, if they are flat bar stock you are in good shape.
If heat treated then you are going to have to annel where you want to drill the holes first and then drill. If they are flat bar stock you should be abl to drill them with a good drill bit, some cutting oil and the slower speed. Good Luck....! It shouldn't take an hour to drill an 1/8" dia. it soft steel.

Later "Possum"
 
its a blank steel bar I need to heat treat it afterwards.

i think it could be the drill bits...as they are really old just like the drill :o . Time to pay home depot a visit tomorrow.

Thank you all for the help.
 
BE CAREFUL......the drill press has whacked me more times than any other tool in my shop!!!


If you are using sharp bits it should take you about 10 seconds to go thru an ANNEALED piece of steel....make sure its not hardened.


The most dangerous part is when you break thru at the bottom of the hole, thats when it wants to grab the most.

Wear gloves or fixture it.
 
Make sure the drill is turning in the right direction. Ive seen this done before as stupid as it may seem. Ive actually seem some dumbass file in the wrong direction for like an hour and a half before realizing the file cuts better if used as designed.
 
thank you all I got some good drill bits yesterday and I drilled all the holes in no time!

Now I just need to hecksaw the thing and file it! Then its already for HT!

Hopefully I don't mess up the HT because I put so much time and effect on this "first knife".
 
If you think you will be in the drilling game for the long haul. Have a look at the cutting edge of your new bits. MAnufactures provide the correct angles you need to re sharpen them. A blunt drill is a danger to your annealed steel. A blunt drill can heat up and surface harden the metal. Stainless steel is a particular problem in this area.

There is a correct pressure and speed for all drilling applications. You will find out the hard way. I was lucky to have an apprenticeship to sort me out.

I learnt to sharpen drill bits by the tray full. The bigger ones are easyer to see what you are doing the little ones are harder but can be done.
 
Use some cutting fluid, and blow off the drill bits with air to keep them cool... I have drilled TONS of 1/8" and 1/4" holes this way.. I got through 20 S30V blades, with lightening holes, and only used 1, 1/8" and 2, 1/4" cheap hi speed steel bits this week...
 
I can't believe that nobody mentioned this, although Mayo did hint at it. Secure your work! Use C clamps to clamp it to a larger piece of wood, or better yet, buy a cheap drill vice from Harbor Freight (under $10.00). Don't try to hold the stuff in your hands. Drill bits want to naturally snag in the workpiece when the hole is breaking through. Even a 1/4" cheapie electric hand drill has enough power to swing a small piece of steel hard enough to cause serious injury, up to and including removing a finger. And don't forget those safety glasses either.

John
 
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