Lubricate your drill and keep the speed down

Services such as ours have proven invaluable to the likes of the industrial and domestic sectors. In addition to standard alterations for tubing, we also perform a myriad of specialist techniques, with tube drilling being one of them. Using it, we are able to offer clients polished and detailed holes that they cannot obtain in other ways.

People who work with tubes will likely come to a point where drilling a hole is necessary. However, you can’t simply go in unprepared. This shall only lead to disaster. To ensure that you are ready for what lies ahead, here are some tips on the right technique.

Lubrication

The first thing you should know is that lubricated components last for longer. When it comes to drilling steel that is 1/8 in or thicker, utilise multipurpose oil or cutting fluid. By lubricating your drill you minimise the heat build-up and friction. Aside from lengthening the lifespan of your bits, this will make it easier to cut through the material. Lubrication isn’t normally required for brass, aluminium, or similar easy-to-drill metals.

Low speed

Another wise move would be to drill at a steady speed. The faster the rotation, the hotter the bit will end up. The heat dulls the bits rather rapidly. As a result it can spoil them and result in higher replacement costs and more disruptions.

Steel and other hard metals will need you to use the slowest possible drill speed. For smaller twist bits, the recommendation for the majority of metals is 3,000 rpm. With bigger twist bits, this should be around 350 to 1,000.

At Multiform Tubes, we use clamps during all of our projects to stop the tubes from bending or turning. The drilled tubing can be used in various applications, including automotive and furniture elements. Our first rate drilling techniques also hasten the assembly process, saving you both time and resources.

If you would like to do business with us, please get in touch. We are happy to discuss tube drilling with you, sharing our extensive knowledge. The aim is to ensure you get the right service for your needs.