Easy way to drill big holes (step bits)

[Cap-n-Cray]

I am a General Contractor and have used the bits for years. Works great for drilling holes in electrical boxes before using a punch out. Has saved me many times by shortening the drill length. I mainly use regular bits. I don't want to wear out the Unibits .

When using a hole saw, use cutting oil and they will last a long time.

Anyone ever use a Carbide Hole Cutter with a single tooth?

Cary

 

[J_J]

I am a General Contractor and have used the bits for years. Works great for drilling holes in electrical boxes before using a punch out. Has saved me many times by shortening the drill length. I mainly use regular bits. I don't want to wear out the Unibits .

When using a hole saw, use cutting oil and they will last a long time.

Anyone ever use a Carbide Hole Cutter with a single tooth?

Cary

I have used the 1 in carbide hole saw in a drill press, it has about 15 tiny carbide teeth on it , and it does great. I have cut through 1/2 steel, but the plugs are a pain to get out. Do you have any info on a single tooth carbide hole cutter.

 

[podagrower]

When using a hole saw, use cutting oil and they will last a long time.

Anyone ever use a Carbide Hole Cutter with a single tooth?

Cary

Alright, try this one. When drilling stainless, use a low speed (of course) and add sugar water like you would with cutting oil. I know it sounds insane, but it makes stainless drill like butter. After experimenting, I found a sugary soda to work best.
Hole saws with one tooth, seems to me that was for "knock-out quality" holes in enclosures? I know someone who bought some, very pricey, broke very quickly as well.

 

[Cap-n-Cray]

Hi J_J,

I did a Google search on Unibit and found the carbide cutter on Irwins site. Here is the site:IRWIN Unibit Carbide Hole Cutters

Cary

 

[jsborn]

Bird
I think you better send that one you have to me and let me try it out for a year or two so you can be sure it is ok before you use it. I will send you my address and of course you pay the postage.

 

[Skyco]

Alright, try this one. When drilling stainless, use a low speed (of course) and add sugar water like you would with cutting oil. I know it sounds insane, but it makes stainless drill like butter. After experimenting, I found a sugary soda to work best..

NOW I know what was wrong- I was using DIET SODA! <can't find the little smiley with the hand slapping the forehead that goes here>

 

[J_J]

Hi J_J,

I did a Google search on Unibit and found the carbide cutter on Irwins site. Here is the site:IRWIN Unibit Carbide Hole Cutters

Cary

Those bits are designed to drill up to 1/8 thick metal.

 

[6sunset6]

I posted this before someplace. If you want to drill really deep hole with a hole saw just drill a .25 " diameter on the kerf line. If you want a good looking hole, as good as you can get with a hole saw, drill the small hole on the inside ,tangent with the kerf. The small hole lets the chip clear the tooth gullets of the hole saw. You can drill as deep as the inside shoulder on the hole saw. Over an inch. Kerosene is a great lubricant for aluminum . Just enough to wet it.

 

[R W]

Check the Super Drill, for drilling large holes. PRACTool Products - Home of CLAMP-IT Tool, CLAMP-IT Joiner & SUPER Drill

 

[J_J]

Check the Super Drill, for drilling large holes. PRACTool Products - Home of CLAMP-IT Tool, CLAMP-IT Joiner & SUPER Drill

A good idea, but a little expensive.

 

[JB4310]

I'm a contractor and it's the only bit that will start a hole in heavy cast iron sewer pipe, once the hole is started it's very easy to step it out to 1" or more. I've tried everything from Titanium to cobalt, nothing else works as easy. I'm not sure what brand I have been using lately, Lennox, Irwin or Milwaukee, but I keep a couple on the truck all the time.

 

[RedRocker]

They're great for sheet metal or thin material.