The ideal weight or force to push a drill

In summary, when drilling stainless steel to bore a 3-9 mm hole, it is important to maintain a constant feed rate to avoid breaking the drill bit or causing the work hardened stainless to destroy it. The force needed is also dependent on the drill bit geometry and it is recommended to use a cobalt HSS drill bit for stainless steel. Properly grinding the drill bit and using a coolant/lubricant can also help with the drilling process.
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abdulbadii
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The ideal weight or force to push (bit ibeing n) a driller down when drilling (stainless) steel
What is and how is the estimation of the ideal weight or force to push (bit being in) a driller down when drilling (stainless) steel to bore 3-9 mm hole?
 
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It's not a matter of force. Drilling metals, especially metals with large work hardening tendencies such as stainless steel, is best done with a constant feed rate. Too large a feed per revolution will break the drill bit. Too low a feed per revolution will cause the work hardened stainless to destroy the drill bit. And this is a photo of a 1/2" drill bit that I destroyed a few days ago doing exactly that. It was A286 stainless, which is harder to machine than the more common 300 series stainless steels.
Damaged drill.jpg

Part of the problem is that the slowest speed on my drill press is 490 RPM, which is over twice too fast for drilling this alloy with a high speed steel drill bit.

The force is also dependent on the drill bit geometry. For example, split pointed bits need less force.
 
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  • #3
abdulbadii said:
What is and how is the estimation of the ideal weight or force to push (bit being in) a driller down when drilling (stainless) steel to bore 3-9 mm hole?
If you cannot set the feed rate, the bit-force should be held steady, so the drill keeps cutting.
Flood the hole with coolant / lubricant.

With practice, you should be able to produce two continuous helical coils of cut material, that pass freely up and along the flutes of the drill.

The relief angle on the drill will decide the maximum feed rate. Learn to grind drill bits to suit the material you are cutting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_steel#Types
For stainless steel, use a cobalt HSS drill bit, M35 or M42.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_steel#Cobalt_High_Speed_Steels_(HSS)
 
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What is the ideal weight or force to push a drill?

The ideal weight or force to push a drill depends on several factors, including the type of drill, the material being drilled, and the strength of the person using the drill. Generally, a force of 10-15 pounds is recommended for most handheld drills.

What happens if too much force is used to push a drill?

If too much force is used to push a drill, it can cause the drill bit to break or become dull more quickly. It can also put strain on the motor and other internal components of the drill, potentially causing damage.

Can using too little force affect the effectiveness of a drill?

Yes, using too little force can make it difficult to drill through harder materials and can result in a slower drilling process. It is important to use enough force to maintain a steady and consistent drilling speed.

Is there a difference in the ideal force for different types of drills?

Yes, the ideal force for different types of drills can vary. For example, a cordless drill may require more force to push due to its smaller motor, while a larger drill press may require less force due to its more powerful motor and design.

How can I determine the ideal force for a specific drilling task?

The best way to determine the ideal force for a specific drilling task is to start with a lower force and gradually increase it until you find the right balance of speed and effectiveness. It may also be helpful to consult the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific drill and material being used.

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