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Drilling AR500

WaterH

WaterH

Well-known member
Joined
May 20, 2020
Member Number
602
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2,874
Loc
North Florida
So what’s the best drill bit for AR500. I just spent 1/2 hour trying to drill one 1/8” hole through 1/4” plate. I must of sharpened the drill bit ten times. (I admit I’m not very good sharpening small bits)

So do I want cobalt or carbide? How about titanium? I’m going to order a dozen 1/8” bits from McMaster.

Im not going to have the same trouble drilling the 1/8” pilot holes out to 1/2”, am I? At least I can sharpen a big drill.
 
I drill through 1/2'' Ar500 with a 1/2'' bit no problem. Regular drills.
 
muleskinner said:
I drill through 1/2'' Ar500 with a 1/2'' bit no problem. Regular drills.
Click to expand...
I use a Rotabroach bit in a cordless drill, little cutting fluid and let it eat.

Like said, sharp bits, steady pressure and good cutting fluid
 
What rockwell number does AR500 hold ?
 
If you have a good tiny point torch you can anneal the area you are drilling by heating it cherry red first and letting it cool. I've done that.

Or yea, usually just plasma cut them... but if you do need to drill it, I have had good luck with TiN coated cobalt drills fresh off the shelf.
 
I just ordered some cobalt and carbide drills. It’s funny, the first hole I attempted drilled 3/4 of the way through. Which means there’s only a 1/16” left. I don’t care how many times I sharpen multiple bits, I can’t get through. I might try annealing it. Why doesn’t rubbing the drill anneal it?
 
WaterH said:
I just ordered some cobalt and carbide drills. It’s funny, the first hole I attempted drilled 3/4 of the way through. Which means there’s only a 1/16” left. I don’t care how many times I sharpen multiple bits, I can’t get through. I might try annealing it. Why doesn’t rubbing the drill anneal it?
Click to expand...
You work hardened the bottom of the hole. Brand new drill with lots of pressure to punch through it. You need to be running about 45SFPM.
 
WaterH said:
I just ordered some cobalt and carbide drills. It’s funny, the first hole I attempted drilled 3/4 of the way through. Which means there’s only a 1/16” left. I don’t care how many times I sharpen multiple bits, I can’t get through. I might try annealing it. Why doesn’t rubbing the drill anneal it?
Click to expand...

Drill it from the other side
 
the rubbing doesn't anneal it, it work hardens it.

as soon as your drill bit isn't pulling chips, stop. pressing harder and drilling faster like so many do only destroys the drill bit and work hardens the piece being drilled. if its not cutting its dulling and hardening the hole.

are you useing a hand drill or drill press. iirc m42 is awsome in a drill press, they are hard, can chip if using in a hand drill tho. i think m7 is my favorite for hand drilling.



in any case with how cheap you can get a magnetic drill now everyone should have one. not destroying drill bits and the frustration is worth it alone. mag drill and an annular cutter is what i use, makes quick work.


$130 mag drill at vevor right now;

www.vevor.com

VEVOR Magnetic Drill, 550RPM No-load Speed Electromagnetic Drill Press, 2.16" Depth 1.57" Dia Magnetic Core Drill, 2700LBS Boring Tool Drill Press, w/ 1100W Drill Press, Yellow and Black Drill Machine | VEVOR US

Discover VEVOR Magnetic Drill, 550RPM No-load Speed Electromagnetic Drill Press, 2.16" Depth 1.57" Dia Magnetic Core Drill, 2700LBS Boring Tool Drill Press, w/ 1100W Drill Press, Yellow and Black Drill Machine, Excellent Performance and Stepless Speed Regulation at lowest price, 2days delivery...
www.vevor.com www.vevor.com
 
tracyb said:
$130 mag drill at vevor right now;

www.vevor.com

VEVOR Magnetic Drill, 550RPM No-load Speed Electromagnetic Drill Press, 2.16" Depth 1.57" Dia Magnetic Core Drill, 2700LBS Boring Tool Drill Press, w/ 1100W Drill Press, Yellow and Black Drill Machine | VEVOR US

Discover VEVOR Magnetic Drill, 550RPM No-load Speed Electromagnetic Drill Press, 2.16" Depth 1.57" Dia Magnetic Core Drill, 2700LBS Boring Tool Drill Press, w/ 1100W Drill Press, Yellow and Black Drill Machine, Excellent Performance and Stepless Speed Regulation at lowest price, 2days delivery...
www.vevor.com www.vevor.com
Click to expand...

wtf? Are those worth a shit?

As often as I use it, my Hougen might be up for sale if those are decent:laughing:
 
tracyb said:
the rubbing doesn't anneal it, it work hardens it.

as soon as your drill bit isn't pulling chips, stop. pressing harder and drilling faster like so many do only destroys the drill bit and work hardens the piece being drilled. if its not cutting its dulling and hardening the hole.

are you useing a hand drill or drill press. iirc m42 is awsome in a drill press, they are hard, can chip if using in a hand drill tho. i think m7 is my favorite for hand drilling.



in any case with how cheap you can get a magnetic drill now everyone should have one. not destroying drill bits and the frustration is worth it alone. mag drill and an annular cutter is what i use, makes quick work.


$130 mag drill at vevor right now;

www.vevor.com

VEVOR Magnetic Drill, 550RPM No-load Speed Electromagnetic Drill Press, 2.16" Depth 1.57" Dia Magnetic Core Drill, 2700LBS Boring Tool Drill Press, w/ 1100W Drill Press, Yellow and Black Drill Machine | VEVOR US

Discover VEVOR Magnetic Drill, 550RPM No-load Speed Electromagnetic Drill Press, 2.16" Depth 1.57" Dia Magnetic Core Drill, 2700LBS Boring Tool Drill Press, w/ 1100W Drill Press, Yellow and Black Drill Machine, Excellent Performance and Stepless Speed Regulation at lowest price, 2days delivery...
www.vevor.com www.vevor.com
Click to expand...

Have you used that mag drill before?

They also sell an insanely affordable welder, think it’s any good? It’s $87.


www.vevor.com

VEVOR Stick Welder, 200Amp Stick & Plastic ARC Welder Machine, 110/220V Hot Stapler with Hot Start Arc Force Anti-Stick, Plastic Welding Kit Car Bumper Repair Kit | VEVOR US

Discover VEVOR Stick Welder, 200Amp Stick & Plastic ARC Welder Machine, 110/220V Hot Stapler with Hot Start Arc Force Anti-Stick, Plastic Welding Kit Car Bumper Repair Kit, Plastic Crack Repair and Seamless Stick Welding at lowest price, 2days delivery, 30days returns.
www.vevor.com www.vevor.com
 
AlxJ64 said:
If you have a good tiny point torch you can anneal the area you are drilling by heating it cherry red first and letting it cool. I've done that.

Or yea, usually just plasma cut them... but if you do need to drill it, I have had good luck with TiN coated cobalt drills fresh off the shelf.
Click to expand...

So, since I have to wait til Tuesday for the bits, I decided to try a torch. Heated about a quarter sized area and let cool. I sharpened a bit and, low and behold, it went right through. I will say my grinder is in the dark at night, so today I had lots of light when sharpening.

Anyways, I heated another area and will try again in a few.

My plasma is on the blink. I don’t know if I’m going to get it fixed or replaced. I like cut off wheels so much better.
 
Dan said:
Have you used that mag drill before?

They also sell an insanely affordable welder, think it’s any good? It’s $87.


www.vevor.com

VEVOR Stick Welder, 200Amp Stick & Plastic ARC Welder Machine, 110/220V Hot Stapler with Hot Start Arc Force Anti-Stick, Plastic Welding Kit Car Bumper Repair Kit | VEVOR US

Discover VEVOR Stick Welder, 200Amp Stick & Plastic ARC Welder Machine, 110/220V Hot Stapler with Hot Start Arc Force Anti-Stick, Plastic Welding Kit Car Bumper Repair Kit, Plastic Crack Repair and Seamless Stick Welding at lowest price, 2days delivery, 30days returns.
www.vevor.com www.vevor.com
Click to expand...

i havent' used that magdrill before, but i do have one from them and it does what its supposed to. i also have a steelmax mag drill that after a couple years wont hold to 1/4" plate unless its perfect bare steel. and it was $800. i spend good money ona magdrill again, it'll be an m18


i wouldn't be afraid to try the cheap welder, just know it wont hardly be worth using on 120v unless its an emergency. i carry a similar one in my camper with 6013rod. its been the difference between having fun a couple more days vs packing up to go home.
 
Lots of oil, good Cobalt bits, moderate speeds, and moderate pressure.

I always use Rapid Tap as cutting oil for drilling anything hard. Keep the hole wet and let the tool do the work. :smokin:
 
tracyb said:
i havent' used that magdrill before, but i do have one from them and it does what its supposed to. i also have a steelmax mag drill that after a couple years wont hold to 1/4" plate unless its perfect bare steel. and it was $800. i spend good money ona magdrill again, it'll be an m18


i wouldn't be afraid to try the cheap welder, just know it wont hardly be worth using on 120v unless its an emergency. i carry a similar one in my camper with 6013rod. its been the difference between having fun a couple more days vs packing up to go home.
Click to expand...

I’ve been wanting to pick up a mag drill for a few years now and might give that one you linked a try.

Also great idea carrying a small welder in your camper for emergency use.
 
Dan said:
Have you used that mag drill before?

They also sell an insanely affordable welder, think it’s any good? It’s $87.


www.vevor.com

VEVOR Stick Welder, 200Amp Stick & Plastic ARC Welder Machine, 110/220V Hot Stapler with Hot Start Arc Force Anti-Stick, Plastic Welding Kit Car Bumper Repair Kit | VEVOR US

Discover VEVOR Stick Welder, 200Amp Stick & Plastic ARC Welder Machine, 110/220V Hot Stapler with Hot Start Arc Force Anti-Stick, Plastic Welding Kit Car Bumper Repair Kit, Plastic Crack Repair and Seamless Stick Welding at lowest price, 2days delivery, 30days returns.
www.vevor.com www.vevor.com
Click to expand...
Machine shop in Fox, Howes, has a YouTube show. He ran them for a few days doing production welding.

Dunno though, Vevor seems to be knock offs of knock offs.
 
Dan said:
I’ve been wanting to pick up a mag drill for a few years now and might give that one you linked a try.

Also great idea carrying a small welder in your camper for emergency use.
Click to expand...
I had a SteelMax metal cut saw, came from Lausen (the bolt, paint, etc outfit) worked great till it was stolen.
 
So I got one hole out to 1/2”. Located it with a bolt and drilled the second hole 1/8”. Pull the whole thing out and mounted it on the mill.

5A03DA9B-A061-44B2-A69E-020FC2D90B64.jpeg


Now just drill the second hole out to 1/2”, right. Easy right? No f ing way. The drills go right through the 1/4” angle (mild steel) and stop at the 500. Anybody that says they drill through this stuff with normal drills is a bull shitter.
 
WaterH said:
So I got one hole out to 1/2”. Located it with a bolt and drilled the second hole 1/8”. Pull the whole thing out and mounted it on the mill.

5A03DA9B-A061-44B2-A69E-020FC2D90B64.jpeg


Now just drill the second hole out to 1/2”, right. Easy right? No f ing way. The drills go right through the 1/4” angle (mild steel) and stop at the 500. Anybody that says they drill through this stuff with normal drills is a bull shitter.
Click to expand...

i struggled when i first started but now,
it is easy. :lmao:

go it chucked up and on a mill....


just buy this-
 
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