Drill Bits?

[Mechslasher]

what type of drill bits are used to drill through tempered knife steel??  the one at lowes don't work!

[4runr]

I think ya need to drill em before ya temper em. I learned the hard way too.

[sticshooter]

Yep that works best. I use cobalt bits.<><

[Doug Campbell]

If you have a blade that needs drilled "hard" about the best way I've found is carbide. It basically burns it's way thru at high speed. If you don't have access to carbide bits just pick up a masonary bit of the proper size and crank up the rpms to around 2500-3000. Don't forget those gloves and safty goggles.

[Lin Rhea]

Mechslasher,
              Are you in a position to anneal (soften) the blade steel? I have softened the area to be drilled and then drilled it. I guess I would need to know more, before I can say. Lin

[fatman]

Guys, take a look at the Lawson Products website; they market drill bits made by Regency...
I used to rep for them many moons ago, and their drill bits will handle just about anything.  You might be able to contact your local sales rep and get him to sample you a single bit to try out before you buy....
fatman

[catfishon]

i use the glass cutting drill bits at home depot.
each bit is only good for 2 or 3 holes befor it breaks though

[el oso]

carbide masonary bits work good on hardend steel, but you have to start by pressing hard and just tapping the triger to get a good dent started otherwise the bit will walk all over the place.

[Mohillbilly]

One tool that is  imperative is a Drill Doctor.  I sharpen and re-sharpen my bits until they can't be sharpened anymore.  Talk about saving money.  WOW!!!!!  Can't say enough good about it.  They have two models.  The cheaper one is like $29.00.  Most hardware stores have them.  

Bret

[Caveman IL]

Mohillbilly,
   Which drill doctor would you recommend?  I'v been thinking about gettting one.  Larry