Drilling Titanium

[Mike Hughes]

OK How do you drill titanium without going through a bunch of drill bits? Tried cutting fluid. Worked Ok for two holes. The third it over heated and the bit went south. Torch another one trying to drill out the third. I have never done any titanium work before. The turnfin came out nice. A lot stiffer the the stock one of the same size.

Mike

 

[ScottVanSlooten]

Have you tried a carbide end mill and keep it cold not just cool . What did you do to cut it and not harden it ??? Scott

 

[Mike Hughes]

I have a cobalt bandsaw blade that goes through everything. The stock is harden to a grade 5 fresh from the Boeing surplus bins.

Mike

 

[Mike Bontoft]

I have a set of Cobalt drills, Mcmasters has them and MSC. They are the best drills I have ever used, Better than carbide for most tuff jobs because they don't chip as easy. They are the only things that will drill thru the hardened rudders I'm using. When working with titanium if the tool dulls at all ,forget it, Its not that titanium is very hard, it just really tuff and it forms itself in front of the tool.

Mike

 

[Mike Hughes]

and it forms itself in front of the tool.

That is exactly what happen on the third hole. Looks like I need some more tools. Time to get out the MSC Big Book.

Mike

 

[Don Ferrette]

I have a cobalt bandsaw blade that goes through everything. The stock is harden to a grade 5 fresh from the Boeing surplus bins.Mike

I'd love to be able to find cobalt blades for my bandsaw............. :blink:

 

[Mike Hughes]

http://www.mscdirect.com/PDF.process?pdf=1734&Section_Id=691

Scroll down to Powerband (M42) Bandsaw Blades by Starret. That is them. It has been a while since I bought one. They use to be about $54 for 7'9" preweld. $36.70 now

Mike

 

[Mark Anderson]

Hey mike, you made two of those right buddy?

Mark

 

[Mike Hughes]

I will. It did take a while to get the bend in it. Clamped it in the vise and beat on it with the plastic hammer. I just need some bits before I do any more. I am in no hurry because you don't need it anyhow. You boat is still covered with a thick layer of dust. :lol:

Mike