2006-11-26 10:48:14 · 5 answers · asked by thecat 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Stainless comes in many different grades and hardnesses, but generally will cut with a standard tool steel drill bit.
There are HS tool steel hole saws made for cutting larger holes than most drills go that would cut a hole as well.
You may need to find a supplier for quality tools, as the tools you can buy in a mass market building center are closer to toys than tools.
2006-11-26 10:53:50 · answer #1 · answered by Favoured 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm assuming you're talking about an austenitic (300-series) stainless steel. If you need to cut a large opening in a piece of plate, and the material isn't too thick, a plasma torch would be your best bet. If you need to drill a small-diameter hole, such as a bolt hole, then keep speed low and force high, because austenitics work harden rapidly.
Go to the link below and download the PDF titled "SSINA Publication: Stainless steel fabrication."
2006-11-26 16:15:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Years ago I attempted to use a hole saw to cut holes in a stainless sink. It's then I discovered stainless and tool steel are about equal hardness, lol. Use at least HSS (worked for me) or titanium nitride. Cobalt bits are an overkill.
2006-11-26 14:44:18 · answer #3 · answered by charley128 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its sheet metal, you can drill a hole and then use standard tin snips
2006-11-26 12:26:19 · answer #4 · answered by MrWiz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd say use a plasma cutter or a hacksaw
2006-11-26 12:11:12 · answer #5 · answered by Nick F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋