How do I drill a 34mm diameter hole through stainless steel sheeting that makes the worktop and sink. There is a hole through the wood base, but as the sink can be left or right handed, there is not a hole through the metal.
I have a 32mm diameter drill but I am struggling with the metal ( I think it is a wood drill) should I just make a pilot hole in the middle and go for it?
BE CAREFUL! It is not easy to cut stainless neatly - You will need a hole saw a cyclinder with hack saw teeth on one end and a pilot drill in the middle. Get an expensive one not a cheap one.
ReplyDeleteStainless steel will amplify your every mistake and display it to the full.
Drill against a piece of wood fixed to the steel or the backing of the steel. Use a low speed to avoid overheating the drill which will blunt if it gets hot or the steel which will discolor.
Take your time!
WRM
No answer to that.
ReplyDeleteDepends what stage you are at with the sheet. If you have a decent size hole already you will not easily re-drill it accurately.I would be inclined to mark your required hole carefully and , being very careful not to overheat the metal, use a series of shaped grinding wheels to open out the hole to the required size.G
ReplyDeleteI'd send it back & ask for one with a hole in it.
ReplyDeletem
grinding wheels are guearanteed to grind where you don't want. IF you are enlarging a hole use a hand file and be patient.
ReplyDeleteWRM
If you are cutting stainless, a hand file will be useless I think- especially for such a large hole. The only way will be to find a local sheet metal workker and ask them to do it- all ther ways lead to the dark side!
ReplyDeleteI am planning to buy a hole saw (I already have a whole saw). It can't be that difficult as all I am doing is installing an ikea unit (famous last words)
ReplyDeleteShould I use some sort of lubricant to prevent overheating (the saw)?
A hand file is not useless at all. I have cut holes small and large in stainless with them - from jewellery with needle files to kitchen work tops with large files.
ReplyDeleteIgnore this anonymous person who says your fathers ideas are "useless"
WRM
The anonymous person is a Chartered Engineer!
ReplyDelete