drilling titanium

Started by swill88, May 24, 2017, 04:24:48 AM

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swill88


I'm going to drill out the 3/16" hole to 5'16" on one of Adam's 6/0 titanium handles.

Don't want to scratch it, burn it, or end up with any regrets.

Any tips, warnings, recommendations?

Thanks,

Steve

alantani

Not sure which grip you are going to use, but my can use either size.
send me an email at alantani@yahoo.com for questions!

swill88

Quote from: alantani on May 24, 2017, 06:27:27 AM
Not sure which grip you are going to use, but my can use either size.
I know but I want to use the 5/16 for this reel.

Tiddlerbasher

Do not use ordinary drill bits. Use HSSE or HSS Co - these are cobalt alloy drills. They drill better and cleaner than regular bits particularly on hard alloys like stainless steel and titanium. Best used with a drill press but can be used with a hand drill. Use a cutting fluid - I use regular canola/rapeseed oil (seems to work well).

ReelClean

Can only add spindle speed should be around 3000rpm I think.
Specialist Daiwa reel service, including Magseal.

Tiddlerbasher

As a general rule when cutting/drilling hard alloys use less speed and heavy feed and slowly does it (250-500 rpm;) Cobalt bits will withstand a lot more heat than regular HSS - I wouldn't even consider plain high carbon bits.

RowdyW

To reduce the chance of scratches try putting a layer masking tape on each side until you are done.            Rudy

Three se7ens

Titanium is prone to work hardening worse than stainless. It also puts nearly all of the heat in the cutting tool. Slow speed: 100 rpm or less is a good starting point. Use oil and use a relatively heavy feed pressure.

Hss tools are a must. Cobalt isn't necessary, I typically find them more brittle than regular hss. But do not use a regular drill bit to open up the hole unless you have a rigid setup in a drill press. I use step drills in a hand drill, with the handle in a vise. If you use a drill press, clamp it down or have a stop bolted to the table.

https://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-16-Inch-Step-Drill-10232/dp/B00004THYY

That's what I use to open up the holes for the knobs.

swill88

Thanks for all the replies. Feeling confident. I've got the same step bit Adam.