Drilling Stainless
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 1:17 pm
by 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?
Re: Drilling Stainless
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 3:33 pm
by 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.
Re: Drilling Stainless
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 3:39 pm
by 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.
Re: Drilling Stainless
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 6:21 pm
by BadRock
UnaHopper wrote:+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.
Re: Drilling Stainless
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 7:12 pm
by UnaHopper
BadRock wrote:UnaHopper wrote:+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.
Re: Drilling Stainless
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:26 pm
by Grist Licker
huskerbrew wrote: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.