Drilling HSS

[TEP]

Hi.

I have some HSS strips and have been trying to drill them. I want to make some scrapers tips to bolt onto a steel shaft for woodturning.

Has anyone any experience of drilling this metal? Any help is gratefully received.

 

[CHJ]

Unless you patiently grind your way through with something like a dremel you will need a carbide or cobalt drill. This is typical

 

[TEP]

Thanks Chas, I figured it would be something like that.

Just had a look at the link you provided, but at those prices I would be just as well buying the ready made ends from Sorby or one of the others.

I have a couple of carbide drills, (courtesy ebay) so will give it a go. I just don't want to burn the drills out.

 

[jasonB]

If you heat the metal to cherry red then allow it to cool slowly you will find it a lot easier to drill.

Once drilled heat again to cherry red and quench in cold water, this will reharden the HSS, it does not need any further tempering, just grind your cutting edge.

Jason