Machine Shop -NW Charlotte

Futbalfantic

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2006
Location
Charlotte
I looked through the forum and I saw some automotive machine shops and people that said they could do it but nothing specfic.

I need 12 holes 5/16 drilled and tapped in SS angle brackets. Anywhere to get this done on the cheap.

FWIW I tried it myself and ate up the tap
 
Is that something I could buy locally?

If not where from? And what's quality?

I was reading on the net if you don't do it properly (drill and tap) it will harden the SS
 
Your best bet is to find someone with a drill press. Slow speed and lots of pressure on the drill. Lots of lube (wd40 is not a lubricant) on the tap.
 
I've used K&C Machine Shop in Concord a lot. He can do it and is usually pretty reasonable. Tell him Casey Fisher recommended him.

Kent Jones
704-784-9774

Sent from my HTC Desire Eye using Tapatalk
 
Futbalfantic said:
Is that something I could buy locally?

If not where from? And what's quality?

I was reading on the net if you don't do it properly (drill and tap) it will harden the SS
Click to expand...

Fastenal may be a decent place to start locally. I can't remember what brand they carry in house. For the inexperienced, I would order one from McMaster Carr. They don't carry a bunch of different brands and types to get you confused. You don't know the brand you are buying, but it's usually a quality brand. You can usually have them in a day or so with standard shipping. You didn't specify on the thread pitch, but you need a F(.257) drill for the 5/16-18 or an I(.272) drill for the 5/16-24.

McMaster-Carr

You can pretty much harden any steel if not done correctly, that's not limited to stainless. It's really not that big of deal though. I agree with @braxton357 , you would be best with a drill press and you have to have good lube.
 
Drilling SS by hand is always a nightmare, lube or no lube. You have to keep a good chip coming off to keep it cool. Once it starts to squall, you may as well give up. As for the tap, any decent tap should do if you're careful. Ace Hardware sells Irwin taps cheap, and they've always done me well. Shit on Fastenal. I ain't paying $50 for a damn tap. I do try to get my stainless lube there, though. It's a thick oil that comes in a small bottle, and it's incredible on stainless. And of course, I can't ever remember what it's called.
 
NickMaul said:
If you are searching for some good drilling tapping lube I recommend Forney Tap magic. I refuse to drill anything without this. It made reaming my knuckles and drilling holes 0.5" in diameter and larger a breeze.

But I am just a fabricating newb :)

Forney 20857 Cutting Fluid, Industrial Pro Tap Magic, 4-Ounces - Power Drill Accessories - Amazon.com
Click to expand...

I use Tap Magic for a loooooot of things. However, the Norseman Ultra Lube is the best shit I've found for stainless drilling to date, besides flood coolant. I was drilling 1/4" holes in 1" sch 120 SS pipe with this. Literally hundreds of inches of material drilled. I had a little puddle of Ultra in a small metal cup. I'd dab the tip of the bit in it, then go to town. 600+ holes on one HSS drill bit. I swear by it.

Metal Cutting Lubricant | Norseman Drill and Tool
 
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