Drilling big hole through steel plate

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by Jordan Baker
Hi everyone

Not ure how to go about this. I need to drill 2 holes through 1/4 inch steel plate. The holes have to be 1 3/4 inches.

Anyone have any other suggestions

Jordan,

For 1/4" plate the hole cutters already mentioned are not really suitable as they are more suited to sheet metal or wood. You will probably go through several before finishing the job. A have recently come across what looks like a superb tool for doing this sort of job with infinitely variably hole size up to its limit, you just need a 1/2" pilot hole and a vertical drill press. According to the advert I first saw, it is available worldwide. Take a look at the following website;
www.farmideas.co.uk/custom.php?id=22

Another option is to drill a chain of holes and punch out the centre, then use an air powered die grinder with rotary files or burrs to finish hole to size, these are very fast cutters and can make a good job.

Richard