which drilling bits for stainless steel?

[Allenanupam]

I will start my own workshop and therefore trying to know about all the tools i need for an ideal working environment. In my little journey this is what I’ve understood “Right tools for the right materials can help solving a lot of problems”

I am looking for special bits for effectively drilling through stainless steel.

I have done quite a bit of research on the web

Cobalt, Titanium, Carbide, HSS drill bits look most favorite. Which one do you guys prefer?

I also heard good things about the application of twist drill in stainless steel

Regarding the coating, there are Black Oxide, Titanium Nitride (TiN) and Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) to reduce heat

Considering the size of the hole I want to make, the drill bit number is also important. Which is the most recommended size?

All I am asking these because I don’t want to waste my hard earned money on something and later regret.

Which drill bits will give me most longevity?

Any suggestions I would greatly appreciate, thanks.

 

[nicebutdim]

Equally important as choice of bit (perhaps more so) is drilling speed.

Best bit in the world can quickly be rendered useless, but it is also possible to make decent headway with a less than ideal bit if proceeding slowly.

 

[James]

As well as speed of rotation and feed rate, coolant is important if you want to progress at higher speeds.

if you are going slow to avoid the need for coolant, a little lube every now and then will help.

invest in a drill grinder as you can loose the sharp edge of a drill within minutes when doing stainless work.

 

[freddo]

I use Dewalt Extreme 2 drill bits, we work with stainless a lot. To ensure a long bit life I drill at a very slow rotation speed, and fairly high downward pressure. This drills holes quickly without blunting the drill bits. Cutting oil essential. Drilling at fast speed just heats up the stainless, hardens it, and that makes it almost impossible to drill. For larger holes for panel buttons, glands etc. I use a hydraulic punch set with stainless rated punches and dies. I have used small Armeg and CK sheet metal hole saws to make one off holes on stainless trunking and control panel doors with success, again very slow speed, high pressure and plenty of cutting oil.

For making many holes of the same size in thinner flat bar or sheet material a press to stamp the holes is a good way forward.

What thickness of material and what size of holes are you mostly cutting? Will you be using a hand drill or drill press?

 

[ElliotM]

Depends on thickness of the material and the speed you apply for drilling holes, very good answer from freddo. Mostly you can use any drill bits for steel but you need to use them carefully to have a longer drill bits life