Drill big holes in 1' thick steel - Fastest way? - Iron - Metal - Aluminum - Large Drill Press

Just a quick video showing multiple ways to drill big holes in thick steel. We were using 1" thick steel flat bar. Showing how use different types of drill bits to put large holes in big pieces of metal. We timed each process to detremine which way is faster?

First we used an annual cutter, next up 3 different size twist drills, and lastly a regular hole saw. You might be surprised with the results.

You could easily use this same fast process to drill big holes in aluminum, iron, arn, and metal.

These are basic processes and skills

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[brandona]

An old machinist told me to drill small holes around the perimeter of the holesaw so the shavings all out and you can go faster. Works like a charm!

[jadoncramer]

What a bunch of ball baby comments, the guy made a video to show several methods of hole drilling. He was opening possibilities to people who do not know what to use. All these comments bashing him. Shut up. If you want to have a contest about machining, bring it. What he did was to help many and you all waa, waa, waa.

[monteefrazee]

As a home hobbyist, I would never have believed that a whole saw (that I have had for years and only used for wood project) could cut through that thick of steel. AMAZING! Thanks for sharing.
I just bought my first welder and this method has raised more possibilities for my projects. Again. Thanks!

[FlatBroke]

Simple tip for the hole saw... I ran some parts that required a 6" rough machined hole in 1" thick plate a few years ago. Rather than circle burn them (plasma table wasn't an option) the plates were to be in the mill anyways so I hole sawed them. I drilled 4, 3/16 holes at 90* to each other on the 6" circle (staying just inside the OD of the hole saw). This allowed the chips to clear through the small holes and I passed the hole saw in one pass with coolant of course. Cheap, easy and dirty as f!

[chevelle]

The Annular cutter would have done it in have the time, if you were using a oil squirt can on it.  All the stops to put oil on it slowed it down.   Also when you use them in a mag drill you can fill them up with oil where it comes out automatically when the point hits the metal.

[eformance]

As a point of experience, you don't need to step drill with a drill bit. Yes, it will go through faster if you have a pilot hole that is as large as the center web. It can actually be a detriment to step drill because 2 flute drills are not designed for enlarging holes and do not self center well. The margins also tend to wear more when enlarging a hole because the tip is not keeping it on center, thus causing the bit to wear out faster. Try plowing that big drill in without a clearance hole, then try it with just a 3/8 clearance hole. You also don't really need a spot with larger drills, the drill is stiff enough to keep on center. Maybe I'll do a video on this principle and also share some old-school tooling, an APT insert drill.

[ronmartens]

These angular drill bits are a beast. They are brutal. I stop at 3:45 and I would have to agree. You ran the machine just right for the cut. Not hard and plenty lubricant. You will preserve the life of the drill bits. Well, you would get more life and or uses from the bit. Also not as much stress on the drill press. In saying that, these bits will require a decent drill press. I will watch the rest of the video . Thanks for the upload.

[slyspy]

Forget the dabbing with the brush those bits should be swimming in oil

[bobm]

I've used all three of these methods. I was floored he got the hole saw to go through as quickly as he did. I'd have been there 2x as long going through 3/4" plate, and it might be the first and last hole for the tool, even using a brand new bit. The annular cutter is well worth the money! Cuts like butter! Requires a strong/rigid setup. I don't have the shop this guy does by any means, but can't say enough about annular cutters. I use the rotabroach system for smaller holes in a handheld drill which is basically mini versions of the annular cutters. Again, cut like butter! Best investment you can make for your home shop! Those large drill bits tend to dull quickly, even with oil, and often you spend more time sharpening them than going through the material. Annular cutters solve this issue as they work more like a milling bit. It takes seconds to do what would take minutes. If you have many holes to drill, this can add up to hours of your day.

[Gyppor]

Thank you for the video. I was thinking about getting some silver and deming bits to drill steel with my small (5 amp) drill press, and once I saw your drill I figured it was probably a total pipe dream!

[reideichner]

Hi Gary,
I use annular cutters any time I can. I feel they give you a much better hole. I always hold the bigger ones in a 3/4" collet and, as you found, they are much faster than other methods. Good video, Gary.
Take Care,
Reid

[tsimmons]

At work we do use the annular cutter regularly, however we’re using them on a mag drill. The Hougen’s are freaking hauling ass turning those things. The Slugger and Milwaukee do have speed adjustments on them, could be wrong but even on there lowerest speed their turning faster then 220. Do agree with you on stepping up in smaller steps on getting to the bigger drill big, it takes a little longer but it’s easier on the bit and your not having to put as much pressure to drill the hole. Was taught years ago, light pressure on the bit, lots of oil let the bit do the work, and they last a long time and it has always seemed to work well. However have seen guys try to put there whole body weight on a drill bit, and burn up a 3/4 drill bit drilling one hole in some 1” plate.

[TheScaryName]

The annual cutter is designed to be used with a continuous flow of cooling medium, which will seriously decrease the time used for cutting through thick steel. We always used a magnetic drill press with a built-in cooling medium container.

[HillbillyRednecking]

For thinner stuff like 1/4" steel plate, I found that tungsten carbide tipped hole saws work very well for cutting larger diameter holes

[hammaswingah]

Very good video. Helps me out a lot. I've been doing woodworking so long I'd forgotten my metal basics. Slow the RPMs, machine oil liberally, plenty of pressure...wood is so easy in comparison. Thanks a ton. Only problem now is I want a Bridgeport! I used one a lot in college and man do I miss it. Hopefully I'll find one I can afford some day.

[leedanner]

It has been my standard practice to just drill a hole slightly larger than the tip of the desired large drill bit. It is surprising how well it works. My Uncle told me about that 20 years ago, hasn't failed me yet. More tools means more time. Pilot hole then finish size...

[seanmantilla]

Great video!!! That is the first time I have seen a annular cutter in action. I always used bits or the hole saw, this video has really opened my horizons.

[SJ-pwtx]

Do you think the first bit would work with a homedepot drill press?

[wickerman]

I need a set of those cutters. Angular cutters. I looked them up pricey but time is $.
Thanks for the video, haven’t herd of these cutters but there going on my wish list.

[forestdamian]

Howdy. Can you give me some advice? How do I enlarge the hole in a piece of thick metal of about 3 cm with a normal electric hand drill, with a 26mm drill bit?. Thank you