Drilling Stainless

[Phil_L]

What's the best way? I have been told that I should use some magnesium oxide, and a certain type of drill bit.

and, whilst I am on it, removing paint... grinder and pads, or is there a chemical that I can use?

[huskerbrew]

Use a step bit or unibit and plenty of cutting oil. It helps to drill a pilot hole first with a smaller bit, then use the step bit.

[UnaHopper]

+1 lots of oil and a step bit. Otherwise you'll burn up any bits you have.

I used a die grinder with a wire brush wheel to get the stickers and paint off my kegs.

[BadRock]

+1 lots of oil and a step bit. Otherwise you'll burn up any bits you have.

I used a die grinder with a wire brush wheel to get the stickers and paint off my kegs.

Using a wire brush on stainless can cause the surface to rust. Try to avoid metal wheels, there are several alternatives that use different materials.

[UnaHopper]

+1 lots of oil and a step bit. Otherwise you'll burn up any bits you have.

I used a die grinder with a wire brush wheel to get the stickers and paint off my kegs.

Using a wire brush on stainless can cause the surface to rust. Try to avoid metal wheels, there are several alternatives that use different materials.

Yes, I'd recommend a brass wheel, not steel.

[Grist Licker]

Use a step bit or unibit and plenty of cutting oil. It helps to drill a pilot hole first with a smaller bit, then use the step bit.

Also, go SLOW. Too muck friction heat will harden the stainless and dull your bit. I used gun oil instead of cutting oil and it worked fine.