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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Mechslasher on January 22, 2008, 09:47:00 PM

Title: Drill Bits?
Post by: Mechslasher on January 22, 2008, 09:47:00 PM
what type of drill bits are used to drill through tempered knife steel??  the one at lowes don't work!
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: 4runr on January 22, 2008, 09:49:00 PM
I think ya need to drill em before ya temper em. I learned the hard way too.
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: sticshooter on January 22, 2008, 10:11:00 PM
Yep that works best. I use cobalt bits.<><
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: Doug Campbell on January 23, 2008, 08:51:00 AM
If you have a blade that needs drilled "hard" about the best way I've found is carbide. It basically burns it's way thru at high speed. If you don't have access to carbide bits just pick up a masonary bit of the proper size and crank up the rpms to around 2500-3000. Don't forget those gloves and safty goggles.
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: Lin Rhea on January 23, 2008, 06:20:00 PM
Mechslasher,
              Are you in a position to anneal (soften) the blade steel? I have softened the area to be drilled and then drilled it. I guess I would need to know more, before I can say. Lin
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: fatman on January 24, 2008, 09:38:00 AM
Guys, take a look at the Lawson Products website; they market drill bits made by Regency...
I used to rep for them many moons ago, and their drill bits will handle just about anything.  You might be able to contact your local sales rep and get him to sample you a single bit to try out before you buy....
fatman
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: catfishon on January 27, 2008, 10:06:00 PM
i use the glass cutting drill bits at home depot.
each bit is only good for 2 or 3 holes befor it breaks though
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: el oso on January 31, 2008, 03:59:00 PM
carbide masonary bits work good on hardend steel, but you have to start by pressing hard and just tapping the triger to get a good dent started otherwise the bit will walk all over the place.
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: Mohillbilly on January 31, 2008, 05:30:00 PM
One tool that is  imperative is a Drill Doctor.  I sharpen and re-sharpen my bits until they can't be sharpened anymore.  Talk about saving money.  WOW!!!!!  Can't say enough good about it.  They have two models.  The cheaper one is like $29.00.  Most hardware stores have them.  

Bret
Title: Re: Drill Bits?
Post by: Caveman IL on February 01, 2008, 06:04:00 AM
Mohillbilly,
   Which drill doctor would you recommend?  I'v been thinking about gettting one.  Larry