Drilling pin holes in 80crv2

S

Studio10Knives

Joined
Jan 28, 2022
Messages
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Hello, I am a little new to 80crv2, i have forged a couple of blades and I am finding it nearly impossible to drill pin holes. The blades are not head treated, i have tried heating up the tang with a torch, I have tried to heat it to temp in the forge and then leave it to cool slowly in the forge, and it is eating up my cobalt bits like chips. Suggestions? I have used the same drill/bits to drill pin holes in leaf spring and 1084 with no problems. Thanks in advance!
 
Studio10Knives said:
Hello, I am a little new to 80crv2, i have forged a couple of blades and I am finding it nearly impossible to drill pin holes. The blades are not head treated, i have tried heating up the tang with a torch, I have tried to heat it to temp in the forge and then leave it to cool slowly in the forge, and it is eating up my cobalt bits like chips. Suggestions? I have used the same drill/bits to drill pin holes in leaf spring and 1084 with no problems. Thanks in advance!
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Your drills bits are dull or steel is hard, there is no other reason why you couldn't drill holes for pin :) I'm guessing that the drill bits are dull .
 
Last edited:
While Natlek is mostly correct, there is one other possible reason. Are you bottomed out on the feed on your drill press? I know it sounds stupid, but some really really smart people I know have had that issue in the past😕
 
All good advice.

Another issue with alloy carbon steels is work hardening. You need sufficient downward pressure to keep the bit cutting the steel. You also need the right speed for the drill size and the steel being drilled. Lubricant helps, but won't make up for improper pressure, bit speed, and a dull or cheap bit.
A dull drill bit will make it worse. Use a good sharp bit made to drill metal.

Here are some old threads on this subject with drill be]it suggestions:

Recommendation? - Drill Bits for steel

Hello All I am new to knife making. I am using some crappy drill bits right now drilling through my annealed steel. It’s painful to say the least. would like a recommendation for the best bits to drill through annealed steel. links from the website or amazon are always helps. thanks in...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com

What brand of drill bits do you recommend?

I've been making knives for less than one year now and am having a blast, thanks, in no small part, to all the help if received on Blade Forums. So, my latest question is about drill bits. The big brand bits that I've purchased at places like Lowe's and Home Depot tend to wear out pretty...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
 
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