Trad Gang

Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Doug Campbell on April 28, 2008, 09:06:00 PM

Title: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: Doug Campbell on April 28, 2008, 09:06:00 PM: OK had a few inquirees on using carbide bits... Today I decided to put one to the test, 90 holes, probably 3/4 of em thru 1084 and the rest 1084/15N20 damascus.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/TG%20Tradware%20Outpost/R0011028.jpg)
I bought 50 of these bits, 9/32" if I remember right, for like a buck apiece years ago from one of the discount machine tool places. Don't remember brand or anything else but still have a dozen or so left. Now I'll be the first to admit they can be broken by a little too much pressure or miscalculation but over all I can't imagine going back to using HSS for drilling high carbon steels.

Like I said 90 holes in like 15 minutes and there is still life left in this bit. It'd be tough without a drill press but at 2300 rpms and steady down pressure you go right thru.
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: vermonster13 on April 28, 2008, 09:15:00 PM: Look at all of those future knives!
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: swp on April 28, 2008, 09:43:00 PM: Makes your mouth water don't it Vermonster?
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: sticshooter on April 28, 2008, 09:46:00 PM: WOW thats alot holes right there. Nice looking steel BTW Doug.<><
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: vermonster13 on April 28, 2008, 09:59:00 PM: Sure does as do a lot of the knives here.
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: OconeeDan on April 28, 2008, 10:17:00 PM: You use cutting fluid at all?
Dan
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: tippit on April 28, 2008, 11:20:00 PM: Doug, Are those annealed blades?
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: Doug Campbell on April 29, 2008, 12:14:00 AM: No cutting fluid Dan, with the heat generated because of the speed I doubt it'd do much anyway.

Yep Doc, it's prehardened annealed steel.
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: Leftieshot on April 29, 2008, 09:37:00 AM: Guys, you better wear your glasses when using carbide, it can shatter. You need to wear your glasses regardless. I'm a die maker and machinist by trade and I've seen some nasty happenings on the drill press and in a shop. Tape your blades too!
Good stuff though Doug!
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: OconeeDan on April 29, 2008, 09:57:00 AM: tape your blades? please explain
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: Leftieshot on April 29, 2008, 10:31:00 AM: Tape your blades, masking tape over the cutting edge. Or else your hands could look like one of our other Trad knife guys on here a couple of months ago, he got 30-something stitches. I won't mention his name hoping to save him any further emarrasment.
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: skullworks on April 29, 2008, 10:59:00 AM: Yes tape your blades!!! I posted it as a cautionary tale! LOL! All healed up now! Nice scar though!
Title: Re: Drilling knife steel revisited
Post by: LC on April 29, 2008, 02:48:00 PM: Thats impressive I know I've dang near wore out a Drill Doctor resharpening bits. It works great but often wondered about carbide.