Hypothetical question about drilling 440C

colobbfan

colobbfan

Joined
May 31, 2000
Messages
651
Hypothetically, if I wanted to say drill a small hole into a hardened blade made from 440C what type bit would be up to the task - hypothetically?
John Row
colobbfan

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I've had more paper cuts than cuts from knives, but the knives are QUICKLY gaining!
 
My MSC "Best buys" circular advertises Solid Carbide Spade Drill bits in 32nds that are advertised for "drilling hard steel and high strength materials RC50." That might not work, though.

Mike
 
Actually, they work quite well, but in the small sizes you better get a couple at a time, cause they chip and shatter quite easily.

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Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither, and in the end, seldom retain them!
 
There was a suggestion here about a month ago where someone suggested placing a nail in your drill press and getting the one area where you are going to drill hot and let it air cool. This will spot anneal the spot and you can drill fairly easily through it. I haven't tried it myself but it sounds like it worked. I have used carbide bits in the past with great progress. Remember that they are brittle. Always wear eye protection while drilling.
 
Remember that if you use the nail trick you need to heat it up and then get it to cool down very slowly. So get it hot, then slowly apply heat and take it away until its fairly cool. If you just heat it until you melt the nail and then let it cool off it might not get soft enough, or if its an air hardeneing steel it might get harder.

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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
Thanks everyone! I'll let you know how it goes - hypothetically, of course!
smile.gif

John
colobbfan

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I've had more paper cuts than cuts from knives, but the knives are QUICKLY gaining!
 
my trials with 440c have let to using a cutting oil like cool tool and slowing down the speed also there is a sweet spot with the pressure. you will feel it cutting, and even with the oil dont get it hot because ten it gets gummy and wont cut. good luck

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Laurence Segal www.RHINOKNIVES.com
 
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