Drilling through 1095...

[Orion]

DAMN!!!!!!
OK... some of you machine heads help me out here.
I am through with this project but would like advice on how to go about this in the future.
I have an Ontario BlackWind Bengal sword that I was modifying the handle on. Basically took a slab of poplar wood, carved and sanded it into scales and fitted them onto the tang. I attached them with regular stainless bolts and nuts. I'm pretty new to this handy-man/machinist stuff but I was pretty proud of myself. It turned out to be a pretty decent job considering I had no big power tools (everything was done by hand, no vice, no saw, no drill press...). I even counter sunk the heads of the bolts and recessed the nuts, even though somewhat sloppily.
Anyway, my question is this-
How in the hell do you drill through 1095 steel? What type of bit should be used? Should I use a cutting oil?
I had to drill 3 holes in the tang and the farther away I got from the blade, the easier it was to drill through. I attributed this to the tempering of the blade.... but it could have been the different bits and techniques I was using at the moment because I changed constantly. I broke 1 titanium bit and 1 high speed steel bit. I wound up finishing the job with a titanium, 1 high speed steel and 1 carbide tip bit, changing them out constantly.
I must admit the task whipped me. Remember, I was doing this with a hand held electric drill while holding the blade with my foot.
I had a similar experience before trying to drill a hole in a Cold Steel Bushman so it could be fixed onto a pole. I am under the assumption that Carbon V is very similar to 1095....? I broke 2 carbide tipped bits doing that one and finally took it to the machinist where I work where he commenced to break a couple more before the task was completed. Not really sure what type of bits he was using but he had a drill press that had a vice for holding the object being drilled. Looked a lot easier than the way I'm doing it!!!!
Is there a trick to drilling through this stuff or is it always going to be this difficult?

Thanks for any help or advice-
Orion

 

[Steve45]

Orion-
I think you would have better results with cobalt drill bits , though I haven't drilled through any hardened steel with them they cut much better than carbide and HSS
Hope this helps
Steve

 

[T. J.]

I use solid carbide "spade" bits to drill through hardened steel. They are available through most machine supply places or from MSC or Granger. They are quite brittle, and will chip on exiting the work piece sometimes, so for 7 to 10 bucks a pop, it's a good ideal to use a piece of scrap steel to back up your blade, just be careful not to drill too deep as they are tapered, and will shatter if you go too deep. use a slow speed, and plenty of light oil.



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[Darrel Ralph]

Your blade is still hard. Get a carbide spade bit. J and l will have them 1800 521 9520 or msc 1800 645 7270
Put a peice of wood under the blade for a buffer when drilling drill at about 500 rpm no oil or water. Carbide has to have a flood of coolant or it will crack ...
Good luck

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[Orion]

Thanks, guys.
I'll keep you posted on any future endeavors.

Orion