Tungsten Carbide Step Drill bits Ⅴ

In last part we know that to start drilling with a smaller tungsten carbide step drill bit, it’s necessary to prepare a center mark on workpiece and apply cooling fluid. In this part we go on explain how to use a tungsten carbide step drill bit.

Step 5: release the chuck of the drill motor to remove the small tungsten carbide step drill bit. Secure the large step drill bit into the chuck of the drill motor. Insert the small tip of the large step drill bit into the hole you created in the metal. Apply cutting and tapping fluid onto the large step drill bit and around the hole in the metal.

Step 6: depress the trigger of the drill motor to run the large-diameter step drill bit into the hole. Stop drilling frequently to apply additional cutting and tapping fluid to the drill bit. Stop drilling when the hole has reached the desired diameter.

Step 7: remove the large tungsten carbide step drill bit from the drill motor. Clean both step drill bits with a rag to remove metal shavings from the bits. Clean the metal shavings from around the hole that you drilled in the metal. Store the drill bits in a tool box or drill bit container to avoid dropping them or otherwise damaging them.

tungsten carbide step drill bit

(The end-This article is divided into 5 parts. Here is part 5. For part 4, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80510-ti-10404)

 

Tungsten Carbide Step Drill bits Ⅳ

In last part we know that tungsten carbide step drill bits are also ideal for electrical work, such as chassis and front panels, and can be used to debur holes, but may at the same time cause bur on the a hole’s back side. In this part we talk about how to use a tungsten carbide step drill bit.

To use a tungsten carbide step drill bit, it is suggested to following the below steps.

Step 1: put on appropriate eye protection (safety glasses or goggles).

Step 2: place the tip of the center punch on the metal to be drilled at the location of the desired hole. Hit the blunt end of the center punch with the hammer to leave an indentation (referred to as a center mark). This indentation will provide a place for the tungsten carbide step drill bit to "catch", so it doesn't drift to the wrong location on the work.

Step 3: secure the self-starting step drill bit into the chuck of the drill motor. Apply cutting and tapping fluid to the center mark and the step drill bit.

Step 4: align the tip of the self-starting step drill bit with the center mark on the metal's surface. Depress the drill's trigger to start drilling the hole. Run the small step drill bit completely through the metal. Apply additional cutting and tapping fluid as necessary to keep the step drill bit cool.

tungsten carbide step drill bit

(To be continued. This article is divided into 5 parts. Here is part 4. For part 3, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80509-ti-10402; for part 5, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80511-ti-10405)

 

Tungsten Carbide Step Drill bits Ⅲ

In last part we know that tungsten carbide step drill bits can drill an entire range of holes usually on softer material or sheet metal less than 1/4 inch thick. In this part we talk about the usage and advantage of this kind of bit.

Tungsten carbide step drill bits are ideal for use in electrical work where thin steel, aluminum or plastic boxes and chassis are encountered. The short length of the step drill bit and ability to vary the diameter of the finished hole is an advantage in chassis or front panel work. The finished hole can often be made quite smooth and burr-free, especially in plastic.

An additional use of tungsten carbide step drill bits is deburring holes left by other bits, as the sharp increase to the next step size allows the cutting edge to scrape burrs off the entry surface of the workpiece. However, the straight flute is poor at chip ejection, and can cause a burr to be formed on the exit side of the hole, more so than a spiral twist drill bit turning at high speed.

The step drill bit was invented by Harry C. Oakes and patented in 1973. It was sold only by the Unibit Corporation in the 1980s until the patent expired, and was later sold by other companies.

tungsten carbide step drill bit

(To be continued. This article is divided into 5 parts. Here is part 3. For part 2, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80508-ti-10401; for part 4, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80510-ti-10404)

 

Tungsten Carbide Step Drill bitsⅡ

In last part we know that a tungsten carbide step drill bit (unibit) is a conical bit for hole enlarging with straight or angled transitions from smaller to larger diameters. Smaller ones are self-starting, while larger ones need a predrilled hole. This part we talk about the advantage of and suitable work piece materials for a step drill bit.

The advantage to the tungsten carbide step drill bit is that both diameters have the same flute characteristics, which keeps the bit from clogging when drilling in softer materials, such as aluminum; in contrast, a drill bit with a slip-on collar does not have the same benefit.

One tungsten carbide step drill bit can drill the entire range of holes necessary on a countertop, speeding up installation of fixtures. They are most commonly used on softer materials, such as plywood, particle board, drywall, acrylic, laminate and in general construction. They can be used on very thin sheet metal, such as metal sheet up to 1/4 of an inch thick, but metals tend to cause premature bit wear and dulling.

tungsten carbide step drill bit

(To be continued. This article is divided into 5 parts. Here is part 2. For part 1, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80507-ti-10400; for part 3, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80509-ti-10402)

 

Tungsten Carbide Step Drill bitsⅠ

A tungsten carbide step drill bit, also called unibit, is a roughly conical bit with a stairstep profile. It is a drill bit that has the tip ground down to a different diameter. Each step on the bit is larger in diameter than the step before. The transition between this ground diameter and the original diameter is either straight, to form a counterbore, or angled, to form a countersink. Due to its design, a single bit can be used for drilling a wide range of hole sizes.

Smaller tungsten step drill bits are self-starting and no pilot bit is required to start the hole. On larger step drill bits, you need to have a hole pre-drilled that is equal in diameter to the smallest step on the bit. The larger-size bits have blunt tips and are used for hole enlarging. Most of these bits are custom-made for each application, which makes them more expensive.

tungsten carbide step drill bit

(To be continued. This article is divided into 5 parts. Here is part 1. For part 2, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80508-ti-10401)

 

Tungsten Carbide Spade BitsⅡ

In last part we know that tungsten carbide spade bits are used for rough boring wood holes with a centering point and two cutters, they have 5 top applications, and here we talk about the tips of using them.
 
The most common sizes of tungsten carbide spade bit are ¾“ and 1“ diameter, however some spade bits are available in ¼“ through 1-1/2“ diameters, and they are available in an extended length for hard to reach applications and deeper hole drilling, a stubby (or short) length for tough to reach applications and shallow holes. Or you can simply buy an extension as an add-on to your standard spade bit length.Powerful cordless or corded drills are ideal for spade bits – Some spade bits are aggressive, and best matched with a powerful drill. Here are some tips for using wood spade bits:
 
1.A spade bit is not the recommended bit for a clean finish hole. Spade bits should be used for rough holes that will not be seen. A forstner bit would be a better choice for a 1-1/4” clean hole. If you still want to use the spade bit for this application, we recommend leaving the good side up. The entry will have a better finish than the exit, however, it will not be perfect.
 
2.After the bit engages the wood, you don’t need to push – just pull the trigger and let the drill do the work. Great for overhead drilling.
 
3.A side handle on you drill helps you to better control and guide the tool, and helps you handle the torque that the bit requires
 
4.“Stubby” or short bits are available for tight quarters. Long bits are available for constant drilling outside your reach.

tungsten carbide spade bit

(The End-This article is divided into 2 parts. Here is part 2. For part 1, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80455-ti-10388)

 

Tungsten Carbide Spade BitsⅠ

Tungsten carbide spade bits are designed for drilling or rough boring holes through common construction lumber – both treated and untreated.They also do very well through sheet goods (Plywood, OSB, Forming Plywood).
 
They tend to cause splintering when they emerge from the workpiece. Woodworkers avoid splintering by finishing the hole from the opposite side of the work. Spade bits are flat, with a centering point and two cutters. The cutters are often equipped with spurs in an attempt to ensure a cleaner hole. With their small shank diameters relative to their boring diameters, spade bit shanks often have flats forged or ground into them to prevent slipping in drill chucks. Some bits are equipped with long shanks and have a small hole drilled through the flat part, allowing them to be used much like a bell hanger bit Intended for high speed use, they are used with electric hand drills. Spade bits are also sometimes referred to as "paddle bits".
 
Top 5 Applications for Tungsten Carbide Spade Bits
 
1.Electricians drilling through wall studs for electrical wiring
2.Plumbers drilling through wall studs and top plates of walls to install copper or PVC
3.Drilling through floor joists for wiring
4.Drilling treated plates for foundations
5.Drilling treated decks to attach a deck ledger board to a wood-frame

tungsten carbide spade bit

(To be continued. This article is divided into 2 parts. Here is part 1. For part 2, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80456-ti-10389)

 

Tips to Use Tungsten Carbide Tile Drill BitsⅡ

Last part we know that tungsten carbide tile drill bits are ideal for drilling through tiles, and before drilling we shall clean the tile, put on mask for us, cross cover the tile with tapes and then prepare a tiny positioning pit. Here we go on explaining the useful tips.
 
Step 6: drill through the tile slowly. Set your drill to a low speed and apply modest pressure to the surface. Allow the drill to work slowly, rather than push hard and crack the tile. Applying too much pressure can cause the tile to blow out and crack on the backside, creating a weak spot in the tile and often a much larger hole than originally intended.
 
Step 7: lubricate with water as you drill. Friction from drilling hard materials creates a great deal of heat, which can scorch the tungsten carbide tile drill bit or even break the tile. Protect your project and extend the lifespan of the drill bit with a constant trickle of water. You may use a small hose, or an assistant with a squirt bottle or glass of water."Pump" the drill every 15 to 20 seconds with a tiny up-and-down motion. This draws water to the tip of the tile drill bit, where friction is greatest.The tile drill bit should never feel more than slightly warm. If it gets hot, stop and wet it until it cools down.
 
Step 8: penetrate the backing board. You can switch back to a regular drill bit for this process if you prefer. Continue to drill slowly and patiently, as it is just as important to maintain the wood or drywall behind the tile. Damaging the backing board can make it difficult to anchor your screw or whatever you plan to insert.

tungsten carbide tile drill bit

(The End-This article is divided into 2 parts. Here is part 2. For part 1, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80453-ti-10386)

 

Tips to Use Tungsten Carbide Tile Drill BitsⅠ

Tungsten carbide tile drill bits or glass drill bits are shaped to reduce the risk of shattering brittle materials with carbide tips. They function well and are cheaper than diamond bits, and better than masonry bits when drilling through such as porcelain tiles, because masonry bits’ shape increases the risk of shattering porcelain and other brittle tiles. While HSS drill bits will wear down after one or two holes, a tungsten carbide tile drill bit seem to be the most favorable.
 
How to drill through the porcelain or other brittle tiles? There are some tips:
 
Step 1: clean the tile's surface. Wipe the tile with a rag soaked in mild soap and water. Examine the cleaned surface for damage. If the tile is cracked, you'll need to replace it before you continue.
 
Step 2: wear safety glasses. Ideally, the tile should not chip or break. In the event that it does, your eyes should be protected.
 
Step 3: cover the area with masking tape. Tape over the area in an X shape, marking the site of the hole. This will help give the tungsten carbide tile drill bit some traction, reducing the chance of slipping. The tape also makes chipping less likely on the outer rim of the hole.
 
Step 4: tap the drill bit in lightly with a hammer. A tile drill bit may skip and jump around on the tile's smooth surface, unless you make a small pilot hole to steady it. Hold the drill bit over the center of the X and tap it in with a hammer. Tap gently to avoid damage, repeating until you've made a small dent through the surface of the glaze.If you're using a solid tungsten carbide tile drill bit larger than 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm), consider drilling a pilot hole with a smaller bit first.

tungsten carbide tile drill bit

(To be continued. This article is divided into 2 parts. Here is part 1. For part 2, please refer to http://news.chinatungsten.com/en/tungsten-information/80454-ti-10387)

 

Tips to Use Tungsten Carbide Wood Plug Cutters

One of the most common uses of a tungsten carbide wood plug cutter is to create plugs to cover up and conceal screw heads. When screw holes are drilled with carbide tipped countersink bits, the drilling creates a deeper hole enabling the screw head to be inserted below the surface. This allows a plug to be inserted into the piece and then sanded down creating a flat and clean surface. Although a great use, not all of us use screws in our furniture. That doesn't mean that we cannot find another use for a plug cutter.
 
Take an example of making a simplistic furniture. After drilling holes and before you are ready for final glue up, prepare and cut to length your dowel pins making sure that you cut the pins 1/4 inches shorter than the length of your drilled hole. Now choose a nice piece of hardwood that contrasts your piece of furniture the most (or to your liking). With your tungsten carbide wood plug cutter, drill down into your scrap piece creating the needed amount of plugs.
 
Detach the plug from the board being careful not to damage the top edge. Apply glue to both the dowel and hole and tap in the dowel until the end of the dowel is recessed 1/4 inch below the surface of the work piece.Take your newly cut plugs, add the glue, and tap into the recessed hole. Make sure that the grain of the plug is running the opposite direction of the grain from the piece. This small detail will create even more contrast.Following the drying period, flush trim the plugs and finish sanding your piece.Applying a finish to this piece will enable you to see the sharp contrast between the piece and the plug creating a beautiful feature.
 
The greatest part of using a plug cutter to create contrasting plugs is that it not only makes a simple joint into a feature but it also just couldn't get any simpler. There are more information to keep in mind: 1.A plug cutter cuts a tapered hole enabling a snug fit; 2. Plug cutters don't have a center spur, it's best to use them in a drill press.
 
tungsten carbide wood plug cutter
 
(The End)

 

 

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