Trouble drilling 5160

[PJS2020]

The last few blades I have made out of 5160 I have had extreme trouble drilling holes for my pins. I have not hardened the blades prior to drilling. Ive used the same steel and just started having trouble on the last few. I am using new bits. Any suggestions of what might be happening?

 

[DevinT]

Poor annealing, heat one up to 1250’f for two hours and see if that helps. You may have to normalize and anneal.

Hoss

 

[PJS2020]

Thank you. How do you anneal? I tried that, or so I thought?

Also, did you mean 250 for 2 hours?

 

[DevinT]

Thank you. How do you anneal? I tried that, or so I thought?

Also, did you mean 250 for 2 hours?

1250’f

 

[NickBoyle]

Listen to Hoss, he’s the boss! The 1250 would be to soften or anneal ur steel. If that doesn’t work you’ll have to try to normalize it. 1600ish works for me. Then anneal then drill.

 

[Natlek]

The last few blades I have made out of 5160 I have had extreme trouble drilling holes for my pins. I have not hardened the blades prior to drilling. Ive used the same steel and just started having trouble on the last few. I am using new bits. Any suggestions of what might be happening?

From where you get that 5160 steel ?