The ideal weight or force to push a drill

In summary, when drilling stainless steel to bore a 3-9 mm hole, it is important to maintain a constant feed rate to avoid breaking the drill bit or causing the work hardened stainless to destroy it. The force needed is also dependent on the drill bit geometry and it is recommended to use a cobalt HSS drill bit for stainless steel. Properly grinding the drill bit and using a coolant/lubricant can also help with the drilling process.
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abdulbadii
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The ideal weight or force to push (bit ibeing n) a driller down when drilling (stainless) steel
What is and how is the estimation of the ideal weight or force to push (bit being in) a driller down when drilling (stainless) steel to bore 3-9 mm hole?
 
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It's not a matter of force. Drilling metals, especially metals with large work hardening tendencies such as stainless steel, is best done with a constant feed rate. Too large a feed per revolution will break the drill bit. Too low a feed per revolution will cause the work hardened stainless to destroy the drill bit. And this is a photo of a 1/2" drill bit that I destroyed a few days ago doing exactly that. It was A286 stainless, which is harder to machine than the more common 300 series stainless steels.
Damaged drill.jpg

Part of the problem is that the slowest speed on my drill press is 490 RPM, which is over twice too fast for drilling this alloy with a high speed steel drill bit.

The force is also dependent on the drill bit geometry. For example, split pointed bits need less force.
 
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  • #3
abdulbadii said:
What is and how is the estimation of the ideal weight or force to push (bit being in) a driller down when drilling (stainless) steel to bore 3-9 mm hole?
If you cannot set the feed rate, the bit-force should be held steady, so the drill keeps cutting.
Flood the hole with coolant / lubricant.

With practice, you should be able to produce two continuous helical coils of cut material, that pass freely up and along the flutes of the drill.

The relief angle on the drill will decide the maximum feed rate. Learn to grind drill bits to suit the material you are cutting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_steel#Types
For stainless steel, use a cobalt HSS drill bit, M35 or M42.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_steel#Cobalt_High_Speed_Steels_(HSS)
 
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FAQ: The ideal weight or force to push a drill

What is the ideal weight or force to push a drill?

The ideal weight or force to push a drill depends on the type of material being drilled, the size of the drill bit, and the type of drill. Generally, a moderate and consistent pressure is recommended to allow the drill bit to cut through the material without causing excessive wear or damage. For most handheld drills, this is typically around 15-20 pounds of force.

How do I know if I am applying the correct amount of pressure when drilling?

You can tell if you are applying the correct amount of pressure by observing the performance of the drill. If the drill bit is cutting smoothly and producing clean shavings or chips, you are likely using the right amount of pressure. If the drill bit is stalling, producing smoke, or getting excessively hot, you may be applying too much pressure.

What happens if I apply too much force while drilling?

Applying too much force while drilling can cause several issues, including overheating the drill bit, causing it to dull or break, damaging the material being drilled, and potentially causing the drill motor to overheat or burn out. It can also lead to poor-quality holes with rough edges.

Is it better to use less force and let the drill do the work?

Yes, it is generally better to use less force and let the drill do the work. Modern drills are designed to operate efficiently with minimal force. Allowing the drill bit to cut at its own pace can result in cleaner holes and extend the life of both the drill bit and the drill itself.

Does the type of drill bit affect the amount of force needed?

Yes, the type of drill bit significantly affects the amount of force needed. For example, larger drill bits require more force than smaller ones, and specialized bits designed for harder materials may require more pressure to cut effectively. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific drill bit you are using.

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