Drilling 316 L stainless

[sumdude]

ShowMeHHO;

Note that some people here tell you, you can drill 5 or more plates at once.

Be very carefull! If you don't have a good way to secure the plates tightly, when drilling, they can (and will) grab the drill bit, and spin out of control!

Always drill a pilot hole first, and enlarge the hole later, and always use a slow speed with a drill press!

If you are lucky, you will end up with as many fingers as you started with, and they will still be secured to your hands!

Never attempt to drill plates without proper tools, and always keep your hands clear!

Thanks for the input. What i have come around to thinking is that a drill press vise may work good?

[hhonewbie]

sumdude

Would you recommend a nibbler to cut S/S?

[insane4evr]

Regular HSS 1/16" pilot hole thru 24 plates stack, ga #24. Clamp as close to the hole location as possible. Slow speed, lots of multiple tiny bites (press down a bit then pull out to clear debris). Keep oiling. If not done properly, the plates will deform, the drill will break, etc.

Other 2 with nuts and bolts already done to correct size. Nuts and bolts installed to keep hole locations the same for each plates.

[sumdude]

sumdude

Would you recommend a nibbler to cut S/S?

tried that didnt come out so good. I used a metal shear as well and it was a little better.