Rockwell

Joined
Nov 4, 2002
Messages
1
I am trying to drill thorough a planer blade w/ a Rockwell of 56-58
How might i do this. I am sure it is a simple answer. Thanks
 
Solid carbide drill bit, lots of cutting fluid, pretty good spindle speed, nice easy spindle feed, and of course a lot of praying. ;)

-- Charles
 
A steel heat treated to RC-56 is really quite hard. MAny cheap drill bits may not even be this hard. It takes a really hard bit to cut steel this hard. While Mr. Marlowe mentions using a carbide bit, these are not the same thing as a carbide tipped masonary bit you might find at Home Depot. To do what you are asking you will need specialized bits, a pretty precise drill press and a good clamping system. As Mr. Marlowe mentioned, you are going to need pplent of coolant/cutting fluid and a way to manage that liquid. This pretty much requires a milling machine set up for liquid cooled cutting or else a WHOLE LOT of home fabrication and expense. This is not practical for most folks.

The question is, what do you want to drill a hardened blade for?

jmx
 
jmxcpter :

It takes a really hard bit to cut steel this hard.

If you have a lot of time you can do it with an ordinary bit. You a dremel or something similar to make a starting hole and then use SiC lapping compound or some kind of abrasive paste in the hole and a regular worn drill bit to just grind it into the hole. It takes awhile but it can be done. You do need to take care not to overheat the steel.

-Cliff
 
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