Any advice for drilling ?

   / Any advice for drilling ? #1  

Baby Grand

Elite Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
4,649
Location
Windsor, CT.
Tractor
Kubotas: L3240GST B2320HST B5100D & G5200H
Would appreciate any advice for drilling snow plow cutting edge. The Plant Manager (bless her warm heart) brought a 7' piece back from the dump for me. I don't know what kind of steel it is or if HSS drills are good enough. Been procrastinating getting Cobalt, but is this stuff going to be real tough? Thanks in advance,
Jim
 
   / Any advice for drilling ? #2  
The last one I tried to drill I used a magnetic frame drill but it destroyed the cutter.

I suggest a torch.
 
   / Any advice for drilling ? #3  
A cutting edge is going to be very hard. I second Duffster's suggestion for a torch. Practice a bit on some scrap steel, and I'll bet you can get pretty good at putting a nice round hole in the steel.

Now for the next question... Is a torch going to change the temper of the steel enough to worry about it?
 
   / Any advice for drilling ? #4  
Very slow with cobalt bits and lots of cutting fluid should do.

How many holes and what size?
 
   / Any advice for drilling ?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Then plan involved two 3/8" holes. Burning with the torch is a very good idea - why didn't I think of that? The heat affected zone will be very local to the holes if I do it right.

I may just get a good, small set of cobalt drills and try one out at fully reduced speed and with a lot of oil. Will this stuff produce a long chip or should I expect lots of little chips? Just want to know if Ineed to lean on it or go lightly. Any recommendations on brand - this won't be a HF deal for me. Personal past experience with Ace Hanson and Vermont American has been very good, but that was a long time ago.

Alternately, I was thinking of making a little 4 foot rear blade for The Plant Manager's B5100. In that case I'll just cut to length with the torch and use the existing square holes to mount it.

Thanks for all the good advice - I know I can count on you guys.
-Jim
 
   / Any advice for drilling ? #6  
a hss drill is ok its 1018 crs not hard.
 
   / Any advice for drilling ? #7  
Is a torch going to change the temper of the steel enough to worry about it?

No. The heat is at the center, or top depending on the type of edge, away from the working edge.
 
   / Any advice for drilling ? #8  
I would think a grader blade to be heat treated all the way across, due to abrasion wear, especially at the bolt holes, but on cheap boxblade cutting edges, it might be different. I would use a torch to untemper the location around the hole, and then drill it.
David from jax
 
   / Any advice for drilling ? #9  
A plasma torch would be what I would use, no pre heat needed for the cut.
 
   / Any advice for drilling ? #10  
Second the heat, then drill. Makes for a nicer hole. The drill should push through somewhat easily and you will go through some bits. Use water to lubricate.
 

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