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General => Chatter => Topic started by: Tony on August 19, 2013, 11:08:11 PM

Title: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: Tony on August 19, 2013, 11:08:11 PM
Rather than chain drilling, will this do it?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50mm-2-Inch-BI-METALLIC-HOLESAW-Free-Delivery-/150798553098

I need to make a 2" hole to weld a 2" bsp nipple over, and it probably could be used for 2 1/4 bsp immersion holes too?
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: kamaangir on August 19, 2013, 11:09:15 PM
How thick and hard is your steel?
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: Tony on August 19, 2013, 11:11:35 PM
Probably 2mm, and not tried drilling it so not sure how hard.  It's a tank though so not expecting it to be particularly tough.  I have cutting compound that I use for pipe threading to assist with the cut.
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: Head Womble on August 19, 2013, 11:13:38 PM
How thick and hard is your steel?

It probably depends if it's first thing in the morning or not,

Or he's been picking up a new bio storage tank from a minor celeb,

Or if he's been doing a pump search on ebay.
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: orange vito on August 19, 2013, 11:36:13 PM
Yes it will work but lots of lubricant.....i use those cutters alot for my electrical and plumbing work.
I used 1 to cut an immersion boss in a 205 drum with great success although they do get a tad warm if you go in dry!! ::)
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: kamaangir on August 19, 2013, 11:43:30 PM
How thick and hard is your steel?

It probably depends if it's first thing in the morning or not,

Or he's been picking up a new bio storage tank from a minor celeb,

Or if he's been doing a pump search on ebay.

Trust you to lower the tone!

Any way he probably wants to lube it up before attempting the hole!
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: therecklessengineer on August 19, 2013, 11:49:01 PM
I've used (abused!) those cutters going through 35mm steel plate. Slow going, but lots of pressure and lube and it'll do it.

Just don't spin it too fast - a battery drill on the 'screw' speed is plenty fast enough. Any faster and you'll just melt the tips on the cutter.
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: oakwoodtv on August 19, 2013, 11:50:49 PM
It will probably do the job use the slowest speed on your drill with a good cutting oil
motor oil will not do as it contains ante friction additives   
I always buy starrett hole saws cost a bit more but they last a long time
it just depends how many holes you you need to cut good tools are cheaper in the long run   

Richard
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: Tony on August 20, 2013, 08:02:04 AM
It won't need to do many cuts.  I have proper cutting compound, Trefolex - it's very good stuff.  So, sounds like slow and steady is the way to do it?  Can't be any slower than chain drilling lots of holes and filing.
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: Jamesrl on August 20, 2013, 10:44:45 PM
Plasma cutter.

Fantastic for the job.
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: Tony on August 20, 2013, 11:52:51 PM
Yeah I bet...
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: therecklessengineer on August 21, 2013, 07:04:00 PM
Well if we're going for ridiculous options, then a CNC laser/waterjet cutter would probably be the best thing.

However, for the cost, you can't really beat a hole saw.
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: Rotary-Motion on August 21, 2013, 08:20:57 PM
theres no guide drill in the center?
Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: julesandtash on August 21, 2013, 08:59:30 PM
Well if we're going for ridiculous options, then a CNC laser/waterjet cutter would probably be the best thing.

However, for the cost, you can't really beat a hole saw.

Jim's is not really a ridiculous option though - plasma cutters are quite easy to come by these days. We know Jim has one as it was a very popular toy at the BBB. I can see that it would make cutting a two inch hole in virtually anything a very easy job

Title: Re: Cut 2" hole in steel?
Post by: Tony on August 21, 2013, 11:36:30 PM
theres no guide drill in the center?

Yes there will be - those cutters fit a standard arbor (the centre drill bit).  I have such a thing already.