How much horsepower to drill stainless?

[bbbladeworks]

Hello Forum, I come in search of metalworking knowledge. Seems like this is a great place for it. Really enjoying the forums so far.



My question: How much drill will I need to punch big holes barstock?

I need 1" diameter holes in (1/8" - 3/16") stainless steel for my neckknives and other projects.

1/2HP .. 3/4HP .. 1HP .. 1.5HP ?

Anyone have any experience boring holes this size? What will get the job done. I know my benchtop Delta won't get it done.

In the past I've paid a machine shop to do this, but I need to do this in-house now.

I'm looking at all the usual suspects, Delta, Rigid, Jet, Grizzly, or whatever Harbor Freight has to offer..

Thanks.

Brian

[plasmator]

There are different ways to machine the hole you describe. You can drill, drill/ream, mill, or bore (boring isn't drilling, despite common usage to the contrary). Do you know which approach you want to use?

[bbbladeworks]

I would assume drill would be the most direct approach. And I'd like to buy a drill press to get the job done.

I probably forgot to mention this is related to a new equipment purchase..

B

[Fabio1]

Your best bet would be to get a bridgeport type machine and plung with a very short 2 or 3 flute endmill(coated would be best).Should have no prob doing this on a 220V machine.You will only need to run about 200 rpm and remember heat is your enemy with stainless so keep it cool.
Other options would be to punch it,waterjet or laser.If u have any of these in your area get them to quote u a price.You may be plesantly surprised.
Cheers

[Cmailco]

What kind of quantities?

Perhaps you should be looking at something more akin to a 'punching' machine or ironworker?

http://www.iron-workers.com/punching_machines.html

[bbbladeworks]

The scale is small, right now, no more than 10 holes of such size a month.

The punch and bridgeport would certainly be welcome additions to my shop, but I fear outside the budget for this particular task.

I've been meaning to contact the water people in my area anyway, looks like now is the time to do it.

Oh, and I also understand that while doing this on a drill is possible, there would be considerable wear on a bit performing this task repeatedly, correct?

A bit of that size = not cheap.

Thanks for your input guys.

[BobWarfield]

1" hole, carbide bit, stainless = 2.5 to 3HP to be comfortable.

HSS bit can't go as fast so 1.5 HP would do. Not sure how long that bit will live though.

HP calculations were done on G-Wizard.

Annular cutters are much more efficient than twist drills. You ought to look into those while you're at it.

You'll also want to budget a tool grinder to sharpen the bits.

Cheers,

BW

[UUU]

You also need to think about/budget for how you're going to hold onto the stainless as you drill it. A drill that big with that much power behind it is going to give the mightiest of kicks if it grabs.

[Cmailco]

There have to be half a dozen or so "carbide" drill types in that size range, all of which vary in cutting geometry from the twist-drill split-point single-insert types to the double-insert drills like Kennametal's "Drill Fix". The amount of hp needed is totally dependent on the sfm and inch/rev, not to mention the cutting geometry.

That said, I'd always look to the drill manufacturer when calculating hp requirements with inserted-type drills.

10 holes per month and I think you'd get along just fine with a quality carbide tipped hole saw from Lennox, Starrett, etc..

Good luck.

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